Cape Girardeau board adopts 2026–27 budget, approves series of bond-funded construction and energy contracts

The Cape Girardeau Board of Education on June 22 adopted the district's 2026'27 budget and approved several bond-funded construction and energy contracts to begin after the district's recent $30 million bond sale. Treasurer Ms. Dudek told trustees the bond sale closed June 16 with an overall interest rate of 4.365% and that proceeds will be available for projects in fiscal 2026'7.

Why it matters: Board action moves the district from planning to implementation on long-range facility projects tied to the bond, including athletic turf, playground accessibility upgrades, energy conservation measures and a safer middle-school pickup/drop-off configuration. Those projects are expected to reduce long-term maintenance and improve accessibility and safety.

Budget and bonds: Ms. Dudek reported the district sold $30,000,000 in bonds; demand exceeded availability and the sale helped secure the stated interest rate. After a presentation on revenue pressure from state shortfalls and local tax freezes, trustees voted to adopt the 2026'27 operating budget as presented.

Construction-manager-at-risk: Following an RFQ/RFP and interviews, the board authorized the superintendent to enter a CMAR agreement with Brock Miller Construction. Support services director Josh Crowell said the committee recommended Brock Miller because of its institutional knowledge of the district and prior performance, and noted the firm's rapid outreach during the June 8 storm response.

Field turf and multiuse complex: Trustees approved a contract (recommended vendor ATG) for a multiuse turf installation on junior-high and CMS grounds, not to exceed $3,200,000. Staff described a 3+-acre lighted complex with concessions, bullpens and markings for baseball, softball, soccer and small-sided fields; construction is expected to begin mid-September with substantial completion around Jan. 1.

Playground surfacing: The board authorized a districtwide pour-in-place playground surfacing contract with Children's Specialties (not to exceed $1,030,000). Staff said the vendor was chosen for warranty depth, local crews in Missouri and accessibility improvements that will benefit students who use mobility devices.

ESCO phase 2 energy measures: Trustees approved an addendum with the district's ESCO (Navitas) for phase 2 energy conservation measures, not to exceed $3,200,000. The scope was described as more than LED upgrades, adding emergency backup systems and targeted weatherization; staff said phase 1 had already produced measurable utility savings.

CMS pickup/drop-off lane: The board authorized Brock Miller Construction to install a CMS pickup/drop-off lane, concrete option, not to exceed $180,000. Crowell said concrete was preferred for long-term maintenance savings and that additional bollards would be included for safety. He noted mobilization savings because Brock Miller is already working on the Ascent High School site.

Voting and next steps: Each motion was carried at the meeting with aye votes recorded and no recorded opposition on the budget and contract motions; the meeting adjournment vote recorded one opposed (Josh Crowell) when the board closed the session. Staff said many of the projects will be staged to begin in late 2026 or summer 2027 depending on the specific scope and timing.

Documentation: Actions authorized at the meeting were presented as district recommendations; staff will return with contract documents and implementation timelines as work is scheduled and mobilization occurs.