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Board approves FY27 capital projects, backs expanded elementary iPad rollout and hires impact-fee study
Summary
Trustees unanimously approved a larger-than-usual capital package tied to an upcoming energy performance contract, authorized an elementary iPad and teacher-device refresh, and approved hiring Tischler Bises for an impact-fee study in a 7–1 vote.
The Cherokee County School Board unanimously approved the district’s FY27 capital projects package and agreed to pursue an energy performance contract that would fund HVAC, building-envelope and deferred-maintenance work. The board also approved expanding an elementary technology refresh from Chromebooks to iPads along with teacher MacBook replacements and authorized an impact-fee study by Tischler Bises.
Administration said timing made a larger bond issuance favorable this year to support the energy performance contract with Schneider Electric. "The HVAC replacements are going to be rolled into the energy performance contract," a staff presenter said, noting the contract and timing would address large-ticket deferred maintenance without fully burdening the general fund.
Trustees asked about specific line items, including a $100,000 knee wall to correct omitted stadium drawings, $120,000 in metal storage buildings at two high schools for marching-band props, and mobile-unit remodels. Administration explained the capital budget includes an $792,154 miscellaneous line for reactive mid-year needs.
On technology, the administration proposed replacing the planned elementary Chromebook refresh with iPads and teacher MacBooks, citing better classroom collaboration, training opportunities and higher resale value. "By moving to the iPads, we can leverage what Apple has built in for collaboration and a little bit more ease of use," administration said, adding teacher training is an explicit part of the rollout plan.
The board also voted to hire Tischler Bises to conduct an impact-fee study at a cost of $41,800; that procurement required a board-approved exemption. The motion passed with a 7–1 vote, with Ms. Shippey recorded as opposing. Additional action items approved during the meeting included renewing a $5,000 incentive for approximately 33 intensive one-on-one special-education aides and continuing WZZQ broadcasts of district athletic and special events — both motions passed unanimously.
Trustees said they expect to finalize details of capital bond issuance and the energy contract this fall after an energy audit and to proceed with the iPad rollout and related training over the summer to have devices ready for teachers before the school year starts.
