Facilities and construction were a major focus of the meeting: facilities staff reported that both the New Garden and Greenwood elementary-school projects are progressing on schedule, with ongoing site-work, brick and drywall installation, HVAC ducting and other interior systems advancing.

Mr. Bryce provided a site-by-site update and said Greenwood is being buttoned up to allow interior work to continue; the district office addition has foundation and framing in place and will be roofed soon.

Separately, the board approved a large procurement plan to furnish the two new elementary schools. Mr. Tracy said the procurement covered roughly 6,580 individual pieces across 17 line items and combined a public bid and cooperative purchasing agreements; the identified bid-award lines presented totaled about $449,714.17 for the items shown in the agenda and the broader outfitting program is estimated at roughly $1.1 million once specialty items are added.

The board also approved an AIA B132-2019 agreement with Breslin Architects to begin architectural and engineering work on renovations to the Kennett High School cafeteria and the library-media center. The proposed cafeteria work would convert the auxiliary gym into a mezzanine eating space to add capacity and natural light; renderings and an educational-specification process will guide design and curriculum alignment in subsequent stages.

Board members confirmed the funding plan: the new elementary-school construction is funded by previously approved bond proceeds (capital-projects fund) while the cafeteria and library schematic work and associated renovations will be paid from the district’s capital reserve fund. District staff noted long-term financing considerations if a full gym addition is later pursued.

The board awarded the furniture bids and cooperative-purchasing quotes and authorized the Breslin Architects agreement to proceed to the preliminary study phase.