Board approves attorney engagement, facility projects, vendor contracts and a high-cost lawn-care award

The Bradley County Board of Education approved a string of motions on Feb. 11, taking formal action on an attorney engagement, several school projects, vendor engagements and a multi-month grounds maintenance contract.

Engagement letter for board attorney: The board voted to approve the engagement letter for Sam Jackson to serve as board attorney. After a motion and second, the clerk recorded a 7–0 vote in favor. "Thank you all," Jackson said briefly after the vote.

STEM Nature Trail at Waterville Elementary: The board approved a change proposal to add a grant-funded STEM sensory nature trail and outdoor classroom. Kirk Campbell said the project is supported by a $30,000 HCI grant and local fundraisers and will include ADA-accessible pathways and learning stations. The motion carried 7–0.

Sound systems upgrade: The board approved using school funds to purchase and install new sound systems in the main gym and the Ron Spangler Center at an estimated cost of $36,000; salvageable existing equipment will be donated to Taylor Elementary. Dr. Lindbergh told the board the systems will improve clarity and reliability for large events; the board approved the purchase unanimously.

Literacy materials implementation vendor: District staff announced the award of a state grant to support adolescent literacy and requested engagement of SchoolKit (a state-approved vendor) for coaching and implementation support at $80,000 per year for five years, plus $10,000 per year for substitutes and materials — fully grant-funded. The board approved the engagement 7–0.

Greenhouse at Michigan Avenue Elementary: The board approved construction of a grant-funded greenhouse to support STEAM instruction. Presenters said no district funds were requested and the site plan had been approved by administrators. Motion carried 7–0.

Junior Achievement Innovation Hub letter: The board voted to send a request to Cleveland City Council and the Bradley County Commission asking each to consider a five-year storefront sponsorship of $10,000 per year for the Junior Achievement Inspiration Hub; the board approved sending the letter so mayors can introduce it to their councils.

Lawn-care contract award: After an extended procurement briefing, the board approved awarding the grounds maintenance contract to AFIX for $211,648. Facilities staff described a multi-step bid process (26 vendors at pre-bid, 18 bids received, 14 eligible after screening) and said scoring favored AFIX based on experience, financial capability and rubric results. Several board members questioned the higher contract value compared with the prior vendor; staff explained the incumbent did not submit a competitive bid and pricing and operational capacity require a higher award to fill the contract. A roll-call vote recorded 7 yes, 0 no. Board members asked building-level principals to manage off-season trash pickup and noted the contract runs March–October with eight payments.

All the above motions passed by recorded roll-call votes unless otherwise noted; most actions were described as grant-funded or covered by existing school funds.

Votes at a glance: consent agenda (7–0), engagement letter for Sam Jackson (7–0), strategic plan adoption (7–0), STEM Nature Trail change proposal (7–0), sound-system purchase (7–0), SchoolKit engagement for literacy implementation (7–0), Michigan Avenue greenhouse (7–0), JA Innovation Hub letter request (7–0), AFIX lawn-care contract $211,648 (7–0). The board adjourned after announcements about upcoming school calendar dates.