Hardy County Schools board approves cooperative purchasing, donation, soccer program, levy rates and personnel actions

The Hardy County Schools board took multiple formal actions at its March 17 meeting, approving procurement and program motions, accepting a donation and approving personnel recommendations after executive session.

Procurement and donation The board approved a Panhandle 8 cooperative purchasing agreement after discussion about vendor exclusivity and local bidding procedures. Board members asked how cooperative contracts interact with locally run bids; staff explained counties in a cooperative can pursue joint bids or local bids as appropriate.

The board also considered an invoice from Valley View Golf Club for services provided to the district’s golf team. Staff said the district cannot pay an invoice for services already rendered without a prior allocation; the vendor agreed to recharacterize the January invoice as a $1,500 donation for the 2024 season. Board members requested a written agreement for any future donations or arrangements; the board accepted the $1,500 donation by voice vote (recorded as 5–0 in the meeting minutes).

Programs and policy The board approved a Northwell/Haskell soccer program proposal for the 2025–26 school year after supporters including parents and students addressed logistics, coaching candidates and practice locations (Brighton Park). Staff noted initial seasons in other districts can be unpaid and that future home-game logistics (locker facilities and field availability) will need review; the board approved the program.

Policy and financial items On other votes the board approved the first reading of an updated use-of-facilities policy (adding an exterior gym at Northfield Elementary and clarifying other spaces), and approved proposed levy rates based on assessor valuations and municipal bond commission numbers.

Personnel and fiscal condition The board entered executive session for personnel matters and, on exiting, approved the superintendent’s recommended personnel actions for March 17. Earlier in the meeting staff had presented an expenditure-by-object report and a PEIA/RHBT comparison for FY23–FY24; staff projected a year-end fund balance near $1.2 million but warned that encumbrance timing and planned capital work (doors, roof repairs, lights) will reduce that amount.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: approved (voice vote) - Panhandle 8 cooperative purchasing agreement: approved (motion carried) - Valley View Golf Club donation ($1,500 for 2024): approved (recorded 5–0) - Memorandum of agreement — extension personnel ($11,050 request): approved - Proposed levy rates: approved - Northwell/Haskell soccer proposal (2025–26): approved - Facilities use policy (first reading): approved - Superintendent recommended personnel actions (03/17/2025): approved

The board adjourned and set its next regular meeting for April 15, 2025.