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Board approves Microsoft enterprise license and John Rogers change order; consent agenda passes
Summary
The Seattle School Board approved a 12‑month Microsoft Enterprise license agreement and a $1.7 million construction change order for John Rogers Elementary after discussing contract length, credits, and unforeseen site conditions. Consent agenda passed; Microsoft item was removed from consent for discussion and passed with one abstention.
The Seattle Public Schools Board voted Dec. 10 to authorize two notable purchases pulled from the consent agenda: a Microsoft Enterprise license agreement and a construction change order for John Rogers Elementary.
Vice President Briggs moved the procurement action enabling the superintendent to execute a 12‑month Microsoft Enterprise licensing agreement with Dell to provide Microsoft Enterprise solutions from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. The motion cited a not‑to‑exceed amount included in the staff report. Carlos, a district staff representative, told the board that negotiators chose a 12‑month term to secure the greatest number of credits for the coming year and to allow better negotiations for future contracts.
Director Smith abstained from the Microsoft vote due to a disclosed conflict of interest; the motion passed with six yes votes and one abstention.
The board also approved Construction Change Order No. 24 for John Rogers Elementary (contract P5186) in the amount presented (about $1,702,439 plus Washington state sales tax) to address unforeseen site conditions discovered during the replacement project. Project staff explained the primary cause as unexpected stormwater and unsuitable soils that required additional dewatering and remediation. Superintendent Podesta clarified that multiple change orders on large projects do not necessarily indicate continual overruns but reflect adapting to conditions in the field.
That motion passed unanimously.
Consent agenda context: The board’s consent agenda passed as amended after the two items were removed for discussion and separate votes. The Microsoft item had been pulled at Director Smith’s request prior to the meeting to enable an abstention to be recorded.
What’s next: The Microsoft arrangement covers 2026; staff told the board they will continue to negotiate credits and explore longer contracts in the coming year. The John Rogers change order work will proceed under superintendent authority to finalize minor adjustments.
