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Columbia CUSD 4 board authorizes equipment purchase, awards $2.74 million construction package and expels student
Summary
The Columbia CUSD 4 board approved a not‑to‑exceed $75,000 authorization to acquire a used skid steer with accessories and a trailer procurement via bid, awarded Phase Three high‑school construction contracts to Pecker Construction for $2,744,614.60, approved posting of 2025 salary reports, and approved a two‑year expulsion for student 202501.
The Columbia Community Unit School District 4 Board of Education approved several formal actions during its evening meeting, including authorization to buy grounds equipment, award major school construction contracts and a disciplinary expulsion.
At the start of the action items the board authorized administration to purchase a used skid steer with accessories and to procure a trailer through the bidding process with a combined not‑to‑exceed authorization of $75,000. Administration explained the preference for a used skid steer (to control cost) and a new trailer (to avoid ongoing maintenance problems) and noted towing weight limits that would trigger a commercial driver’s license for district staff. The motion passed on a roll call vote.
The board also approved the required posting of the district’s 2025 teacher and administrator salary reports. Administration said the figures have been reviewed and will be posted online as required by statute.
On a major capital project vote, the board awarded the Phase Three bid package for Columbia High School to Pecker Construction Company. The package—which includes general trades, concrete, masonry, drywall, flooring, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, demolition and abatement—was presented with a total cost of $2,744,614.60. The administration will assign the resulting subcontract contracts to Pecker under the district’s A133 construction manager agreement. Board members noted that bids came in below estimates, allowing both core items and many wish‑list items to be included within budget.
Following an executive session on student disciplinary matters, the board moved to expel student number 202501 for a two‑year period, from Oct. 1, 2025, through Oct. 1, 2027, citing evidence presented at the expulsion hearing that the student engaged in conduct the board found "egregious" and that the student’s presence posed a risk to the safety of other students and staff. The board prohibited the student from attending district events or entering district property during the expulsion except with the superintendent’s prior written permission.
Votes at a glance
- Skid steer and trailer authorization (not to exceed $75,000): approved (roll call: Timkin/Timkin‑name appears in roll call transcript; board members recorded yes). - 2025 teacher/administrator salary report posting: approved (roll call: yes votes recorded). - Phase Three Columbia High School construction bid award to Pecker Construction: approved (roll call: unanimous among voting members present). - Expulsion of student 202501 (Oct. 1, 2025–Oct. 1, 2027): approved (roll call: Andrea Corey – yes; Kelly Moyer – yes; Greg Meyer – yes; Lisa Schumacher – yes; Tyson Search – yes; Norin Frederick – yes; Adam Henkin – yes).
What happens next
Administration will proceed to locate an appropriate used skid steer and to issue bid specifications for a new trailer consistent with the board’s authorization. Contracts from the Phase Three award will be assigned to Pecker Construction under the A133 agreement; administration said construction is on schedule and core work remains under budget. The expelled student’s exclusion is effective immediately per the board motion.
