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Leavenworth board approves construction manager, transportation contract, IT refresh and sets school‑closure hearing
Summary
At its March 9 meeting the Leavenworth Board approved Universal Construction as CMAR for a culinary classroom renovation, extended a five‑year transportation contract with DS Bus Lines, approved a district network refresh on a five‑year lease, set public notice and a hearing to close Warren Intermediate, accepted a school‑safety grant and appointed Gwen Mundorf as board attorney.
At its March 9, 2026 regular meeting the Leavenworth Board of Education approved a package of operational recommendations and scheduled required public notifications.
Construction manager: The board approved administration’s recommendation to select Universal Construction as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the high‑school culinary classroom renovation after the district’s competitive CMAR search. Board members noted Universal Construction has completed prior, smaller projects for the district, and the current scope excludes a previously considered parking‑lot project.
Transportation: The board approved a five‑year renewal with DS Bus Lines (formerly Eastn Bus) covering operations through the 2030–31 school year. Staff said the contract reflects a price increase largely attributable to higher wages for drivers; under the agreement the district pays the first $80,000 of fuel costs with year‑end reconciliation for amounts above that threshold.
Network refresh: The board approved a planned five‑year network refresh — replacement of switches, Wi‑Fi access points and servers — funded by Capital Outlay on a five‑year lease. The administration presented the refresh as a routine five‑year cycle to maintain security and stability; the low bid from Allegent was approved for the lease purchase.
School closure notice: The board agreed to publish the required public notices for closing Warren Intermediate as an attendance center and scheduled a public hearing for April 13. Several trustees questioned the timing because staff indicated a separate closing/sale timeline for the Netti Hartnett property that could occur before the hearing date.
Bond refinancing and grants: Staff briefed the board on an opportunity to refinance outstanding 2018 bond series to capture interest savings without extending the repayment timeline; staff estimated roughly $330,000 in interest savings and said a resolution for formal action will be presented in April. The board also voted to accept a Kansas Safe and Secure firearm detection grant as presented.
Board attorney: After discussion about continuity and potential savings, the board voted to appoint Gwen Mundorf as the board attorney following a motion and second; some trustees voiced reservations about transitioning counsel amid other leadership changes.
Votes: Several items were approved by motion and voice vote during the meeting; where individual roll‑call tallies were not read into the public record during the meeting, the board chair announced each motion passed.
Next steps: Staff will return to the board with a formal refinancing resolution in April, finalize lease documents for the network refresh and proceed with contract administration for the approved projects. The district also will publish the legal notices required for Warren Intermediate and hold the public hearing on April 13.
