Board hears progress on CTE community housing project and explores bus purchases to fill activity gaps

District staff updated the board on the CTE community housing project: blueprints for the house have been handed to city engineers to evaluate how the proposed design fits narrow, long lots; staff are engaging Brenda Block, local CTE teachers and the Black Hills Area Community Foundation (meeting noted June 15) to develop partnerships and improve fundraising strategies. Social-media fundraising is active and staff can now monitor donation engagement to refine messaging.

Separately, the board discussed ongoing problems with activity transportation: current vendor guarantees with Landmark will not cover all activities next year and the district is exploring Dakota Bus for activity runs while also considering purchasing at least two activity buses. Staff provided price ranges: new 44-passenger buses with undercarriage options were discussed in the $180,000–$205,000 range; cheaper used buses carry higher maintenance and reliability risk. Staff suggested possibly using leftover CTE project funds for an initial purchase and will return with quotes; the board noted timing pressures before August and agreed staff should seek bids rapidly and call a special meeting if necessary.

Administrators also noted various facility matters tied to projects (warranty walkthroughs scheduled in early October and substantial-completion letters in hand for phases) and reminded the board to track warranty punch-list items before the one-year warranty expiration on Nov. 10.