Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consent Agenda topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves most consent items; contract for assessment services pulled for revision
Summary
The Topeka Public Schools board approved the consent agenda with the exception of item 13.1 — a contract renewal for assessment services — which board members asked staff to rework and return in a couple weeks. Members also questioned percussion instrument procurement where the district selected a higher bid for quality reasons.
The Topeka Public Schools board voted to approve the consent agenda with the exception of item 13.1, a contract renewal for assessment services with Bob Winkler; board members asked staff to renegotiate or provide alternative contract language and to return the item at a subsequent meeting.
During discussion, Doctor Bonebrake asked why a percussion-instrument purchase did not go to the lowest bidder; staff replied that the selected vendor offered higher‑quality instruments with greater expected longevity, a justification the board accepted. The transcript noted Manning Music had submitted a bid $2,300 lower than the vendor selected.
Board members also questioned the assessment-services contract renewal (item 13.1). A board member asked for clarification about the deliverables and why a car allowance was included beyond the contract amount. Staff said the contractor drives from Kansas City and agreed to review language and possible revisions. Miss Schmidt specifically requested the item be removed from the consent agenda and brought back; the board rescinded the initial consent vote and approved a new motion to adopt the consent agenda excluding item 13.1 and including minor handbook language changes for Ross, Eisenhower and Jardine.
Board members agreed staff would return item 13.1 in a couple of weeks with revised language and clarifications about deliverables and travel reimbursement. The board carried the revised consent motion unanimously.
