School board approves $64,236 purchase of five welders for Roseburg High School

The Douglas County SD 4 Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of five welders for the Roseburg High School welding program for $64,236.20 from Airgas. The board discussed funding and logistics before the motion carried.

Board Chair (speaker 1) introduced the agenda item and said the purchase would save about 15% if ordered before Feb. 1 because an upcoming tariff change would raise prices. District staff confirmed the cost will be paid from assigned fees and that the units would be ordered promptly with the expectation they reach the shop during the current school year.

During discussion, directors asked how old the existing welders are and whether the new machines would be the same brand. District staff said the current units are about 10 years old, some are broken, and that replacement is consistent with grant terms authorizing replacement purchases. Staff agreed to provide specific brand information and to explore surplus/disposition options for retired equipment according to grant requirements.

Director (speaker 4) moved approval; the motion received a second (the seconding member was not named in the transcript). Chair called the vote and announced "Motion carries." The transcript does not record an individual roll call or numerical tally.

The board took the vote as a single business item at the start of the meeting and then adjourned the short session to begin a work session.

Next steps: staff will place the order to capture the tariff-related price before Feb. 1, provide follow-up details on brand compatibility and report back on surplus/disposition options for the older welders.