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Board rejects MIS office relocation bids, discusses security upgrades, financials and cell‑phone handbook changes
Summary
The Manchester Community Schools board rejected two bids for moving the MIS office after they exceeded a $287,000 budget, opted to prioritize enhanced building security instead, reviewed a positive monthly cash flow driven by an insurance rebate and discussed a new cell‑phone policy for 2026–27 requiring phones to remain in lockers outside passing periods and lunch.
The Manchester Community Schools board voted to reject two bids to move the MIS office after staff reported both came in substantially above the $287,000 budgeted amount. The district will pursue enhanced integrated security for the building and seek a federal grant as an option; staff said they will present a security demonstration in executive session next week.
On finances, the board heard that monthly cash flow was positive by roughly $8,000, aided by an insurance rebate, and that year‑to‑date projections were close to targets (staff cited a projected $2,078,000 and an actual figure reported around $2,091,000, a variance discussed as about $20,000). Board members asked about transportation fuel exposure; staff said they are exploring a diesel hedge program through the bond bank to stabilize fuel costs.
Board members also conducted a second reading of district handbooks for 2026–27 and discussed a new cell‑phone policy that would require students to keep phones in lockers except during passing periods and lunch, with progressive discipline and case‑by‑case exceptions for medical or translation needs. The presenter said confiscated phones would be stored in a secure location in the main office and returned at the end of the day; members sought clarity about access, documentation and liability if a device is damaged while in district custody.
A motion to reject the two MIS relocation bids was made, seconded and approved; the board also approved consent items, employment items and recurring camps and activities as part of the meeting’s routine business.
