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Board amends, approves social‑emotional learning curriculum after pricing discrepancy; some trustees seek delay for review
Summary
Trustees pressed for clarification after meeting materials listed the Character Strong social‑emotional curriculum at $32,000 while the vendor contract totaled $44,000; Associate Superintendent Nick Hamilton said the higher figure includes professional development and tier 2/3 supports, the board amended the motion to $44,000 and voted in favor with recorded opposition and discussion about moving final implementation details to July.
At the June 22 meeting trustees examined a discrepancy between the agenda price and vendor quote for a proposed social‑emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. The agenda listed $32,000 for the Character Strong curriculum for grades young five through eight; board materials and the vendor contract, however, showed a $44,000 figure.
Associate Superintendent Nick Hamilton explained that the $44,000 package includes additional professional development and support for tiers 2 and 3 interventions that were not reflected in the original $32,000 line on the agenda. "It's the 44 given that the professional development and the tier 2 tier three will be incorporated in it," Hamilton said, adding that the district had budgeted up to $50,000 in its 31A allocation for SEL.
Several trustees said they were uncomfortable voting on an item whose agenda dollar amount differed from the contract and asked whether the board should delay final approval to the July 20 meeting so members could examine the updated quote and confirm implementation timing. One trustee said they would not vote for approval without additional review; another said the committee process would need to proceed quickly if the board delayed approval.
A motion to amend the purchase amount to reflect the $44,000 contract was made and seconded; the amendment carried with recorded opposition, and the board then voted on the amended motion. Following the votes, trustees discussed placing the item back on the July 20 agenda for additional review while also noting that committee work and professional development schedules would move quickly if approval were delayed. The procurement will be funded from the district's 31A grant allocation, according to staff.
Also at the meeting the board approved the consent agenda (minutes, personnel hires, budget resolutions, and a student trip), awarded a custodial services contract to Grand Rapids Building Services Incorporated, approved a purchase of 75 Lenovo laptops, and voted to approve the shared safety‑director cooperative agreement negotiated with Okamus Public Schools and Secure Environments Consulting.
