Arlington board approves textbook and technology purchases, HVAC upgrade and $1.3 million janitorial contract
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Summary
At its meeting, the Arlington Community Schools board approved adoption of new CTE and wellness textbooks, authorized multiple iPad purchases, approved HVAC rooftop unit replacements worth $331,765.57 and awarded a $1,299,556.08 janitorial services contract to HES Facilities Management, with the superintendent authorized to execute agreement documents.
The Arlington Community Schools board approved a series of procurement and adoption items at its meeting, including instructional materials, technology refreshes, mechanical upgrades and a one‑year janitorial contract.
Superintendent Dr. Clark asked the board to approve adoption of CTE and lifetime wellness textbooks as the first step of the adoption process; board members voted in favor. "This is the first step — we approve the adoption so we can look at component packages and choose the resources that best fit student needs," Dr. Clark said.
On facilities, the board approved a $331,765.57 purchase of five HVAC units and curb adapters for Arlington High School. Clark explained the units condition fresh air and act as dehumidifiers, adding that replacement timing is driven by building age and equipment condition.
The board also approved a multi‑grade iPad refresh so technology staff can prepare devices ahead of the 2026–27 school year: $124,586 for first grade, $174,403 for fifth grade and $245,180 for ninth grade. Board members asked about the disposition of retired devices; a district official said the old units are sold through a bid process and proceeds help support technology needs.
The largest vote was to award janitorial services to HES Facilities Management for $1,299,556.08, to be paid in equal monthly installments from 05/01/2026 through 04/30/2027, and to authorize the superintendent to negotiate and execute the agreement. HES representatives said the company focuses on education clients, will assign a dedicated manager to the district account and will hold a town‑hall to discuss current employees who may return under the new contract. "We are a company that is 100% focused on the education space," said Chaz Harris, one of the HES representatives.
Votes at a glance • Item 8a — Adoption of CTE and lifetime wellness textbooks: approved by voice vote (motion made and seconded). • Item 8b — Purchase of five HVAC units and curb adapters (Iteros): $331,765.57, approved by voice vote. • Item 8c — iPad purchase, first grade: $124,586, approved by voice vote. • Item 8d — iPad purchase, fifth grade: $174,403, approved by voice vote. • Item 8e — iPad purchase, ninth grade: $245,180, approved by voice vote. • Item 8f — Janitorial services contract awarded to HES Facilities Management: $1,299,556.08, contract period 05/01/2026–04/30/2027, superintendent authorized to execute agreement.
Board members asked operational questions during the HES presentation about staffing, oversight and priorities such as cleaning bleachers; HES said it would provide on‑site management, quality control and reporting. The board approved all items by voice votes; where individual roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the meeting record, the minutes note "ayes have it."
