Board approves Chromebooks, desktop computers and cafeteria equipment; superintendent warns of short-term power outage

At the June 24 meeting the Northern Cambria School Board approved several procurement items and heard operational notices from the superintendent.

Purchases approved included a cafeteria equipment package (gas Columbia oven and sanitary kettle) through the Keystone Purchasing Network at a cost of $82,706; 180 Chromebooks for the 2025–26 school year at a total of $48,600 (unit price $270); and 26 desktop computers for the BCIT lab from Dell Technologies through PEPPM for $26,866.32 ($1,033.32 per unit). Staff explained the Chromebook replacement cycle (typically a four-year rotation at kindergarten, fifth and ninth grades) and confirmed the BCIT purchase was previously budgeted and intended to update specialty machines for advanced software use.

Superintendent Mr. Johnson briefed the board on immediate facilities work at the new campus: electricians, data-cabling technicians and engineers will shut electrical power to the new campus beginning the afternoon of June 26 and hope to restore service the morning of June 30. The superintendent warned that voice, video and phone services will be unavailable and that the alarm system may not function while work is underway. “During this time, there’ll be absolutely no power or anything else at this campus,” he said, and recommended site security during the outage.

The superintendent also reported on an inspection of the existing dust-collection system at the current wood shop by a technician from Effective Controls, who recommended replacing filter cartridges, installing new ductwork to connect machines, and either rebuilding or replacing an 11-horsepower fan motor; the technician will prepare a written estimate for board consideration.

Next steps: staff will finalize vendor paperwork for approved purchases and the superintendent will coordinate outage logistics, site security and communication plans with families and staff.