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Board prioritizes Simpson Elementary for FEMA storm-shelter grant; approves multiple facility repairs and single-audit engagement
Summary
Administrators reported asbestos abatement and other near-term repairs, presented multiple grant opportunities including EPA wildfire-smoke preparedness and a FEMA storm-shelter program; trustees agreed to prioritize Simpson Elementary for the FEMA storm-shelter application (district share for Simpson estimated at ~$415,000) and approved several immediate facility contracts (asbestos removal, door hardware, carpeting).
District administration updated the board on an array of capital projects and grant opportunities and secured board direction on how to prioritize limited local capacity.
Facilities: The superintendent reported approved work across several sites: a main water-line excavation at Bickerdike (~$4,000), asbestos removal and encapsulation in a science hallway (~$10,335), siding and garage repairs at the wood shop (~$9,800), carpet replacement in four classrooms (~$19,332), and door-hardware/ADA repairs and key-fob access work (~$16,192). Vendors were authorized to schedule work this summer.
Grants and capital priorities: Staff summarized several funding opportunities. An EPA wildfire-smoke preparedness grant would target HVAC upgrades in the high-school gym and kitchen; the district’s local match was discussed as roughly $193,000 on a $1.9 million total project depending on grant terms. The district is pursuing a K‑Cabota grant (equipment and cash up to $50,000). A reopened FEMA storm-shelter grant (25% local match, 75% federal) produced larger-cost estimates from architects: a combined multi-site plan was roughly $7.4 million, beyond the district’s near-term capacity.
After discussing affordability and competing priorities, trustees agreed to pursue the FEMA/state program for Simpson Elementary only, where the district’s estimated share was about $415,000 on an approximately $1.6 million project. Board members said the decision allows the district to remain competitive at the state level for available funds while not overcommitting local match across all sites. Trustees also discussed fundraising and whether private donations could be applied to the district’s match.
Other actions: The board approved a two- or three-year audit engagement that will include single-audit work because the district’s federal-spending threshold has been reached; staff noted additional single-audit fees above the base engagement. The board also set non-resident enrollment capacity to "unlimited" for 2026–27 and approved the JAG‑K and USD 489 'Parents as Teachers' renewal agreements during the meeting.
Board members asked staff to continue pursuing grant applications where feasible and to return with firm cost estimates, scope documents and timelines for any project that would require district matching funds.
