Board approves Quest food contract, seven new buses and summer construction contracts

The Lockport Township High School District 205 Board of Education approved a sweeping consent agenda at the March 16 meeting that included multiple contract and procurement decisions. After pulling two items (nos. 2 and 16) for separate votes, the board approved the rest of the consent agenda and then voted to approve the pulled items individually.

Significant approvals included: • A five-year food-service contract with Quest Food Management Services; administration said Quest has performed satisfactorily and will contribute to facility improvements. • A successful bid to purchase seven new school buses for the 2026–27 school year; board members discussed pending state legislation about seat-belt retrofits but confirmed the bid will comply with any applicable rules. • Selection of the summer 2026 construction manager/contractor and approval of summer construction trade contracts; facilities staff said the scope was intentionally comprehensive to avoid "summer surprises."

Other votes on the consent agenda included approval of athletic trainer positions and an action to provide health and welfare benefits for 16 dean assistants (discussion clarified these staff provide parking-lot and hallway supervision and evening activity support). The board also formally changed the April meeting date from April 20 to April 27.

Administrators and facilities staff emphasized efforts to control rising construction and operational costs and to include contractor safeguards. Several board members complimented staff for thorough bid reviews and for anticipating potential extra costs.