Board tables $199,924 public-address contract, asks for warranty and backup details

The Clintondale Community Schools board on April 24 postponed final approval of a $199,924.35 contract to replace public-address systems in district schools after members asked the technology director for clearer warranty terms and confirmation that the system includes battery backup.

Director of Technology Richard Lerman told the board that Division 27 submitted the lowest and most thorough bid and that the project would be funded from two security grants (identified in the bid materials as the 31AA Mental Health and School Safety grant and the 97 School Safety grant). Lerman said the vendor committed to a 5-year hardware warranty, a 10-year warranty on wiring and a three-year support agreement, and that the company offered training for secretaries and maintenance staff. He also said the vendor estimated completion on or before Aug. 23 and would perform work when students were not present so the existing PA systems could remain in service during installation.

Board members pressed for specifics. Several trustees asked whether a battery-backup line item was included, what the warranty actually covered or excluded, who would hold contract authority and sign the final contract, and how the district would ensure timely completion. Lerman said he would confirm the warranty language and whether a battery backup is listed explicitly, and that he would contact the vendor immediately.

After discussion, a motion to table the award to a special board meeting was moved and seconded; the motion carried on a roll call vote. The board directed staff to supply vendors'pecific warranty language and to confirm whether battery backup and the promised training and three-year support are included in the proposal prior to the reconvened meeting.

Next steps: The board set aside the contract for more review and asked Lerman to report back by the special meeting the board scheduled to revisit the award.