Board approves contracts, fees and surplus-bus sale; committee reports on buses and construction projects

The Dubuque Community School District board on June 8 approved a series of facilities and operations measures presented by Facilities Committee Chair Dirk Hamel.

Hamel said the committee concluded a negotiated employment agreement with the truck drivers and mechanics employee group, a 3.02% salary-and-benefits increase that matches recent settlements. The board approved that agreement on a voice vote.

The board also approved a professional services contract with WHKS for survey work at Roosevelt Middle School in the amount of $14,500. Hamel described plans to buy eight full-size 65-passenger school buses (all equipped with seat belts; three with air conditioning) with delivery expected in January 2027 at a combined cost he said was “just under $1.2 million.” The bus purchase was reported by committee; the board set a resolution to offer three used buses (two 2017, one 2018 IC Corp) for sale by public bid and scheduled a possible public hearing for July 20, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.

Other approved items included the food and nutrition meal charge schedule for 2026–27 (student prices unchanged; adult prices slightly higher), preschool fees (an $80 increase for five‑year‑old preschoolers), the student fee schedule, a transfer from the General Fund to the Student Activity Fund for Athletic Safety and Protective Gear ($27,556.91 or as determined eligible by June 30, 2026), and authorization to pay final June 2026 bills subject to post-audit.

Hamel said many construction projects (Eisenhower gym addition, Irving mechanical remodel, Dalzell Field retaining wall, Irving roof and playground work) are on schedule for completion by mid-August.

The motions passed by voice vote with no roll-call opposition noted in the meeting transcript.