Cannon County school board approves $149,876 bus purchase, joins NASPO purchasing cooperative and authorizes bids for stadium field projects

The Cannon County Board of Education on March 12, 2026, approved several operational and procurement measures, including the purchase of a 2027 78-passenger Bluebird school bus for $149,876 and joining the NASPO cooperative for technology purchasing, and authorized staff to solicit bids for two football-field project options to compare repair versus reconstruction costs.

Board members opened the meeting by recognizing students and staff: March student citizens from the district and employees of the month were honored before the regular agenda. After roll call, the board approved a revised agenda to add an item on NASPO cooperative membership and then moved through a consent agenda that included approval of the Feb. 12, 2026 minutes and one overnight senior trip (Trip #5025: Cannon County High School senior trip to Orlando, Apr. 12–18, 2026).

The board voted to buy a 2027 78-passenger Bluebird school bus from Central State Bus Sales, Inc. for $149,876. The motion was recorded as made by Mr. Mullins and seconded by Miss Odum; roll-call responses recorded in the transcript show affirmative votes from the named members present.

Board members also approved the review of personnel-related school board policies (5.400–5.803). Policy 5.114, addressing employee records and confidentiality, was discussed and staff follow-up by Rebecca was noted during the meeting.

On facilities, Coach Chench and representatives of the Touchdown Club presented two options for the football field: Project A (repairs) and Project B (full field reconstruction). After debate about timing and budget constraints, the board voted to solicit bids for both options so the district can compare costs and consider them at a later budget meeting. The motion to solicit bids was recorded as made by Mr. Mullins and seconded by Miss Curtis; the transcript records yes responses from several members and a recorded 'nay' from Miss Tal. The precise final tally beyond the named roll-call responses is not fully specified in the transcript.

The board approved joining the NASPO cooperative for technology purchasing following a presentation by Miss Andrea from the finance department; the motion was recorded as made by Miss Tal and seconded by Mr. Mullins. The cooperative membership is intended to give the district access to cooperative procurement contracts for technology purchases.

Director Julie used her comments to congratulate the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and coaches, recognize students attending a Beta leadership conference and Read Across America activities, and to wish the community a restful spring break. The board adjourned after the chair’s closing remarks.

Next steps: staff will proceed to solicit bids for the two field project options and return results for board consideration; the district will join NASPO under the approved cooperative arrangement; the purchased bus will be ordered per the approved contract terms. Several agenda actions noted staff follow-ups (for example, clarified policy questions) that will be addressed outside the meeting.