Whittier Regional committee approves FY26 salary transfers, accepts donations and awards $74,354 contract for water heater

The Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School Committee voted to approve a FY26 budget transfer to increase salary lines after recent contract settlements raised costs above the 3% originally budgeted. Business Manager Miss Cosmos told the committee the transfer aligns salary accounts to contractual rates and attrition and will be carried forward into next year’s budget calculations.

"I respectfully request your approval," Miss Cosmos said before the committee approved the transfer by roll call. The motion carried with a unanimous recorded vote.

The committee also approved an RFP award for a replacement water heater in the northern part of the building. Miss Cosmos reported six bids were received and that Burkens Suns Plumbing and Heating was the lowest responsible bidder; the contract amount is $74,354 and will be paid from the district’s capital account.

In addition, the committee accepted eight donations totaling $45,950. Miss Cosmos said the donations were submitted in accordance with school committee policy and the memo in the meeting packet. The committee approved acceptance of the gifts by roll call.

Finally, the committee approved a corrected budget calendar (new dates: Jan. 14 and Feb. 25) that Miss Cosmos said fixed earlier errors in the draft schedule.

Outcome and next steps: The salary-transfer adjustments will be reflected in FY27 budget development; the contractor is authorized to proceed with the water-heater replacement using capital funds; accepted donations will be processed per district policy.