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RSU 26 reports ESSER-funded playground and generator projects; superintendent outlines COPS grant security planning
Summary
District staff said ESSER funds covered the majority of a playground drainage and replacement project and paid for an ASET generator; the superintendent outlined plans to use a COPS grant (if approved) for notification systems, door access controls and PA upgrades, with pricing due in January.
The board heard an update on recent facilities work and grant-funded safety planning. The district reported that the recent playground project was paid primarily from ESSER funds ($103,000) with $33,000 from capital improvement funds; district staff said the project included new drainage (a catch basin and trenching) to address previous spring flooding. "We were able to include that in the project so they can put in a new drainage spot," Carrie (introduced as the ASA presenter) said when asked about the trenching.
Board members also heard that the district installed an ASET generator over Thanksgiving; staff said the generator project was paid with $105,000 in ESSER funds and an additional $52,000 from capital improvement. District staff said testing is underway and that a transfer switch to connect the generator to building systems will be installed in late spring.
The superintendent briefed the board on plans related to a COPS grant: staff are evaluating emergency notification systems (phone badge/app/wall plate combinations), door access control upgrades, and PA-system improvements. The superintendent said the district hopes to have pricing by early January and, if the grant and priorities align, propose a budget amendment to fund work next summer. "So, that's a big part of our COPS grant," the superintendent said, describing emergency notification and door-access components.
No new appropriations or final bids were approved at the meeting; the board received these as informational updates. Staff indicated they will return with pricing and proposed budget amendments after the vendor review and COPS grant planning are complete.
