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Board approves Johnson & Block audit engagement, digital sign, Ethos lighting, playground donation and a 2026 bus purchase
Summary
The board awarded a three‑year audit engagement to Johnson & Block (sole bidder), approved funding steps for a new digital sign (including an Organic Valley donation), accepted an in‑kind Ethos solar lighting project and an anonymous playground donation, and authorized purchase of a 2026 model bus to maintain the replacement rotation.
At its March 11 meeting, the Kickapoo Area School District board approved several contracts, purchases and donations that will affect facilities, communications and transportation.
Audit contract: Allison told the board the district solicited bids from four audit firms and received one timely response from Johnson & Block, the district’s current auditor. Allison said the proposed audit price rose by about $7,000 compared with the last engagement; historical figures cited included a past RFP quote of $19,900 and an actual payment of about $20,400. A board member moved to accept the Johnson & Block bid for a multi‑year engagement; the motion carried.
Digital sign and donations: Building & Grounds presented details for a new digital sign that would use existing power and one brick pillar. Contractor G. Alan Gley provided the accepted quote and agreed to contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the village of Viola to handle permitting. The board was told $22,260 has been raised in donations to date and the board discussed using a $10,000 donation from Organic Valley to complete funding. Board members discussed DOT restrictions (no flashing or scrolling); a motion to proceed with purchase passed with one opposed.
Ethos off‑grid lighting: A local partner, Ethos, offered to donate solar panels, mounting equipment and installation labor for off‑grid LED lighting at the track shed; the district would supply a portable power station (approximately $329) and interior lighting. Ethos requested modest recognition signage and a joint press release; the board approved proceeding.
Playground donation: The board accepted an anonymous donation to fully fund replacement playground equipment for the hilltop play area. The donor requested two benches be installed as part of the gift; board members authorized acceptance and asked staff to return with bench pricing and installation details.
Bus purchase: The building and grounds committee recommended purchasing a 2026 model bus to continue the district’s replacement rotation, a strategy that preserves resale value and helps qualify for high‑cost transportation aid. Presenters listed past transportation aid receipts (district figures cited for 2021–2025) and explained that maintaining a newer fleet helps avoid large future replacement spikes. The board approved buying the 2026 bus, with purchase planned for July.
Votes at a glance: approve Johnson & Block audit engagement (motion carried); approve makeup snow day for April 6 (motion carried, one opposed); approve Policy 513 handbook/policy clarification (motion carried); approve purchase of digital sign (motion carried, one opposed); approve Ethos lighting and signage (motion carried); accept anonymous playground donation (motion carried); approve 2026 bus purchase (motion carried).
