Board accepts $90,000 county economic-development donation to fund one-time facilities needs including LED lighting

The Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation board accepted several classroom donations and recognized a $90,000 economic-development grant from the county council earmarked for one-time facilities purchases, district staff said.

"The county council generously gave $90,000 from economic development money and delivered it today," a staff presenter said, recommending the funds be used for campus facility needs such as replacing outdated gym and auditorium lighting with LED fixtures to produce long-term cost savings.

Staff noted the county funds are non-recurring and should not be counted on for recurring expenditures. The presentation listed other recent donations: contributions from individuals and a foundation to support kindergarten and classroom supplies and a $100 gift from the Class of 2029 for high school ECA.

Board members agreed the LED lighting project was an appropriate one-time use of the economic-development funds and the donations were approved by voice vote.

Separately, staff reported ongoing maintenance and facilities work: repairs at the elementary lift station, water-valve replacements, bleacher repairs and scheduling of fire-door work. The board introduced Trent Gford as the district’s new director of facilities and acknowledged continued recruitment for a skilled maintenance technician.

The transcript does not record specific vendor contracts or purchase approvals tied to the $90,000 donation during this meeting; staff said facilities quotes (for example, for gym lighting) have been obtained but no formal procurement actions were taken in open session.