Lawrence Township to publish RFPs for custodial and security services; board stresses background checks and community ties

The board authorized the publication of requests for proposals for custodial and security services as part of a review of contracted services. Dr. Nesbitt said the district has outsourced custodial services previously for about four years and realized savings; the current RFP cycle aims to ensure competitive pricing in a tighter fiscal environment.

On security services, the board discussed that most security staffing is currently in-house but that the district is seeking proposals to evaluate potential outsourcing for specific functions (for example, event metal-detecting and entrance-post security). Board members emphasized the importance of preserving community ties — noting that some security staff are Lawrence Township residents and often attend school events — and asked how continuity and background checks will be enforced with contractors.

Dr. Nesbitt said contracted staff will be required to pass the same background checks and vendor verification procedures as current employees and that RFP language will require personnel to be identifiable on campus. The RFP timeline presented in the meeting set interviews for April 21 and anticipated a vendor recommendation at the next board meeting.

Board members asked about contractor training and maintaining relationships with students; district staff said strong contract language and evaluation criteria will allow the district to remove personnel who do not develop appropriate campus relationships and to prioritize vendors who demonstrate strong hiring and retention practices.

The board approved publication of both RFPs by voice vote; a vendor recommendation is expected at the subsequent board meeting.