Ohio County Board of Education approves $615,000 Siemens automation contract after 3–2 vote

The Ohio County Board of Education voted 3–2 on June 23 to accept a Siemens automation and HVAC service proposal priced at $615,000 for the first year, with a second‑year price of $625,000 if extended.

The board president put forward superintendent Doctor Miller’s recommendation after Siemens reduced its initial asking price by $21,000. Proponents said keeping the contractor would avoid service gaps; opponents said the district lacked competitive bids needed to know whether it was getting the best price.

“Molly, board member, said, “I don’t feel good about it. We still have no competitive pricing to compare this contract to. It’s essentially an unnegotiated contract for over $600,000.” Molly urged staff to commit to seeking competitive pricing over the next year.

Bernie, a board member who opposed the motion, said he was “a big fan of competitive bids” and that the board “could do better.” By contrast, other members, including Board President (chair), Andy and another member, emphasized continuity and the risk of a lapse in service.

The motion to accept the Siemens service contract for the 2025–27 period passed on a 3–2 vote. The transcript records the outcome as 3 in favor and 2 opposed; individual recorded roll‑call votes were not specified in the minutes for publication.

Board members said they expect to revisit HVAC options over the coming year and to seek comparisons before the next contract decision.

The board then moved on to the consent agenda.