Board approves consent agenda, moves meeting location and awards $2.02 million cafeteria bid; appoints high school principal

The Moline-Coal Valley CUSD 40 Board of Education took several formal actions at its Jan. 12 meeting at the Moline Education Center.

Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda by roll call.

Meeting location: Trustees approved changing the March 9, 2026 Board of Education meeting location from the Moline Education Center to Bicentennial Elementary School to accommodate set-up for a State Board of Education event at the Education Center.

Cafeteria renovation bid: The board approved awarding Bid 2026 for Moline High School cafeteria improvements to C and T Design and Equipment Company Inc., of Indianapolis, Indiana, in the amount of $2,022,072.64. Staff described the project as a two-package procurement; the approved package covers serving lines, furniture, wall graphics and painting. Staff said electrical, plumbing and flooring will be part of a subsequent bid. Construction is planned for the summer with a goal of completion by the start of the next school year; summer food-service programs will move to a middle school if necessary.

First readings of policies: The board accepted a first reading of a consolidated set of updated board policies and separately accepted first readings for Policy 4:80 (Accounting and Audit) and Policy 4:140 (Waiver of Student Fees). Trustees discussed the new memo-based process for bundling minor policy changes and the ability to pull individual policies for separate consideration; administrative procedures and guidance tied to some policies will be updated and distributed to principals and staff.

Personnel: After a closed session, the board approved the appointment of Jeff Whitaker as Moline High School principal for the 2026–27 school year.

Votes at a glance (documented in meeting): consent agenda — approved by roll call; location change for 03/09/2026 — approved by roll call; award of Bid 2026 (Moline High School cafeteria improvements to C and T Design and Equipment Company Inc.) — approved by roll call; first readings of board policies (batch and 4:80/4:140) — moved for first reading; appointment of Jeff Whitaker — approved by roll call.

Why it matters: The cafeteria contract unlocks a multimillion-dollar capital project affecting student meal service and facilities; the principal appointment and policy updates shape leadership and governance for the coming year.

Next steps: Staff will return with further procurement details for the follow-up bid package, present curriculum materials in February (separate item) and post updated administrative procedures to align with policy changes.