Board previewed bond dashboard; contingency earmarked for district technology

Plant Moran/RealPoint gave the board a quarterly update on the district’s bond program at the Livonia Public Schools committee‑of‑the‑whole meeting on April 13.

Brian Weber, the firm’s representative, told the board the program’s current budget stands at "$192,000,000 and some change," reflecting the $186 million bond issuance plus roughly $6 million in earned interest. Weber reviewed the dashboard columns — current budget, executed contracts and purchase orders, actuals paid, remaining cost to complete and forecasted commitments — and said the portfolio is balanced.

Weber also said the contingency line shows a temporary $0 balance because staff moved contingency dollars into the technology budget to cover mobile devices. "We shifted it to earmarked for mobile devices in the technology budget," Weber said, adding the money remains in the program and can be returned to contingency if priorities change.

The presentation covered active construction sites — including demolition at Webster, work at Garfield and off‑hour projects at Ni‑Ji‑Hero — and corrective mechanical work completed over winter to prepare for the cooling season. Weber said crews are mobilized and the program is on schedule.

Superintendent Opus and board members asked clarifying questions about cash flow and the contingency decision. Green (district operations) said the shift was a budgeting choice to ensure identified needs for Chromebooks and similar devices were covered while keeping the funds available for reallocation if an unexpected priority arises.

The dashboard presentation was informational; the board agreed to place related items on the regular agenda or consent agenda next week for formal consideration.