FWCS board approves laptops, facility assessments, furniture, construction contracts and bond resolutions

Fort Wayne Community Schools trustees approved a package of procurement and finance items, including technology purchases, vendor contracts for facility assessments and construction work, classroom furniture replacements, and resolutions to issue or appropriate bonds.

On technology, the board approved buying 715 Dell Pro 14 student laptops from Secure Tech of Fortville, Indiana for $548,012.75 to advance Wayne High School's student device replacement plan. Kevin Bridal, director of technology, told the board the district is retiring older 6- to 7-year-old devices currently in a warehouse and aims to maintain a roughly five-year replacement rotation.

The board approved a technology services agreement with SiteLogic Inc. for $855,872 to complete a district-wide facility condition assessment, implement a cloud-based asset and planning platform and provide five years of maintenance. Heather Krebs, the district's facilities director, said the initial assessment will be completed within one year and that the platform will combine scattered facility data, prioritize needs and aid five- to ten-year budgeting.

Trustees also approved classroom furniture purchases from four vendors totaling $2,715,575.19 to outfit five middle schools (Blackhawk, Jefferson, Miami, Northwood and Shawnee); purchases will be funded by the 2026 general obligation bond. The board approved multiple construction contracts for site and renovation work (detailed below) drawn from program budgets and bond proceeds.

The board adopted resolutions tied to debt management: approving issuance of the Fort Wayne Community Schools Building Corporation first mortgage refunding bonds (to refinance older first mortgage bonds and reduce interest cost) and completing the public hearing and appropriation steps needed to spend proceeds of the General Obligation Bond Series 2026 for districtwide furnishings, facility improvements and equipment. Rosie Shipman, chief financial officer, answered questions on timing and sources and noted the building corporation's board is separate from the school board.

A contract amendment with Daktronics Inc. was approved to add an additional video board at the Helen P. Brown Natatorium, increasing the contract to $2,105,396; administration said bond funds were available for the upgrade and that the natatorium board will be built to withstand humid environments.

All listed items were approved by voice vote with the board signaling "aye." Board members present and participating included Noah Smith (chair), Steve Corona, Maria Norman, Julie Hollingsworth, Antoinette Payne, Jennifer Mathias and Duff.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved by voice vote. - Lane Middle School international trip to Japan (2028): approved by voice vote. - 715 Dell Pro 14 student laptops (Secure Tech): $548,012.75; approved by voice vote. - SiteLogic Inc. technology services agreement: $855,872; approved by voice vote. - Classroom furniture (four vendors): $2,715,575.19; approved by voice vote. - Construction contracts (Brooks Construction, Shawnee Construction, Midwest Maintenance, Exterior Service, Hamilton Hunter Builders): approved by voice vote. - Daktronics contract amendment (additional natatorium video board): amended contract total $2,105,396; approved by voice vote. - Easements to City Utilities and Allen County Highway Department (Fairfield Elementary, Wayne High School): approved by voice vote. - Refunding bond resolution and GO bond appropriation: adopted by voice vote.

The board did not record roll-call tallies in the minutes provided; actions were taken by voice vote and recorded as approved.