Bryan ISD board approves technology displays, property-value audit payment and efficiency audit resolution

At its May meeting, the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees approved three action items: a technology procurement to replace aging classroom displays, payment for property value audit services, and a resolution to engage a firm for a voluntary efficiency audit.

The board approved a purchase request to acquire Smart Technologies interactive displays and related installation services using 2020 bond funds. Executive Director of Technology Julie Johnson said the district will begin phase one at six to seven campuses and that per-board installed costs in the vendor quote were about $2,900; the board approved a not-to-exceed contract request to proceed with installation and teacher training in the fall. The motion to approve the purchase was made by Dr. Harlland Wolf and seconded by Mrs. Waller.

Chief Financial Officer Norma Friddle presented approval for payment to Purdue Brandon LLP for services related to property-value audits. Friddle said the firm's fee is based on 7.5% of additional revenue recovered for the district; the board approved the engagement.

The board also approved a resolution to engage Mo Casey LLC to conduct a voluntary efficiency audit of district operations. Friddle said the audit is expected to take up to three months and cost approximately $20,000; the audit will compare Bryan ISD to peer districts across financial and academic metrics and will be presented to the community by October.

All three items were approved by voice vote during the meeting. No amendments to the requests were recorded during the meeting, and the board indicated the technology purchase would begin with campuses with the oldest displays and that still-serviceable units would be relocated where appropriate.