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Southwest Public Schools board recognizes teacher association, updates federal bidding policy and approves $120,914 vehicle purchase
Summary
At its Oct. 14 meeting in Bartley, the Southwest Public Schools Board of Education approved recognition of the Southwest Teacher Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for 2026–2027, adopted revisions to Policy 3003.1 for federally funded projects, and authorized a $120,914 purchase of two Chevrolet Suburbans from depreciation funds to replace two "illegal vans."
The Southwest Public Schools Board of Education voted Oct. 14 to recognize the Southwest Teacher Association as the exclusive bargaining agent representing the district’s certified staff for the 2026–2027 contract year, adopt revisions to its federal-funded bidding policy and approve a $120,914 vehicle purchase.
Board President Jason Neseth called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. and the board recorded members present and absent. A motion by board member Jason Kloepping, seconded by Jennifer McConville, carried to recognize the Southwest Teacher Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for the 2026–2027 contract year. The motion carried with votes recorded as McConville, Kloepping, Neseth and Brooke Brooks voting aye; John O’Dea and Duane Teter were absent.
The board also voted to adopt proposed revisions to Policy 3003.1, titled "Bidding for Construction, Remodeling, Repair, or Related Projects Financed with Federal Funds," approving the updated procurement language as presented. That motion, moved by Kloepping and seconded by Brooks, carried unanimously among members present.
On capital purchases, the board approved a Wagner Chevrolet quote totaling $120,914.00 for two Chevrolet Suburbans. The motion, moved by Kloepping and seconded by McConville, specifies the purchase is to "replace the two illegal vans" and directs use of the district's depreciation fund to cover the cost. The minutes record the same four ayes and two absences for that vote.
Board action on these items followed standard motions recorded in the minutes and included routine approvals earlier in the meeting, including claims and the Sept. 9 meeting minutes. The meeting record also notes the treasurer’s report was presented.
The superintendent asked board members to complete evaluations and return them to President Neseth so the board can take action under Board Policy 4057 at its Nov. 11 meeting. The board adjourned at 8:31 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Southwest Junior-Senior High School in Bartley.
