Board approves multiple construction contracts, softball field GMP, separated purchases and amends public-comment policy (all votes 7'00)

The New Albany-Floyd County school board approved a slate of capital and procurement actions and amended its public-comment policy during a single regular meeting; all recorded roll-call votes on those formal items were unanimous (7'00).

Facilities staff recommended construction-manager selections for three projects: Skillman Construction for Fairmont (preconstruction fee $46,850 and a construction-staffing lump sum of $463,972 with 1.85% overhead), Core Construction for Prosser (preconstruction $15,000; staffing $456,741; 2.5% fee), and Core Construction for Floyd Central (preconstruction $9,000; staffing $237,249; 2.5% fee). Trustees voted to approve the recommended construction-management contracts.

The board also approved engaging Shireman Construction Group to provide construction-management advisory services for gym renovations at New Albany and Floyd Central at a combined fee of $239,500. The work includes bleachers, wood floors, sound system upgrades and HVAC improvements.

District staff recommended awarding a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for the Floyd Central softball field project. Staff cited a GMP of $6,204,637 and noted some value-engineering items remain pending that could reduce the final price. Trustees approved the award on a 7'00 vote.

Earlier in the meeting trustees separated three consent items for discussion: an extended chiller warranty and preventative-maintenance agreement, Chromebook purchases, and classroom projector purchases. Facilities and technology staff explained the lifecycle and breakdown risks for chillers and the four-year device replacement cycle for Chromebooks; staff said limited trade-in credit is available. The board approved those three items by motion and roll-call vote.

On policy, trustees amended Policy 0167.3 (public comments at board meetings) to retain the current structure but require that a prepared enforcement/read-aloud statement (the "red" language discussed during the meeting) be read to speakers; board members also clarified a wording correction from "public meeting" to "a meeting held in public." The motion to keep the existing policy with the added read-aloud language passed 7'00.

The board also approved technical corrections to Policy 8505 concerning student-account notifications and procedures by unanimous vote.

Votes at a glance (recorded items in meeting):

- Separated consent items (chiller extended warranty/preventative maintenance; Chromebook purchases; classroom projectors): Approved, vote 7' 0. - Construction-management contracts (Fairmont, Prosser, Floyd Central): Approved, vote 7' 0. - Construction-management services for gym projects (Shireman Construction): Approved, vote 7' 0. Fee: $239,500. - GMP award: Floyd Central softball field (Core Construction): Approved, vote 7' 0. GMP cited: $6,204,637 (some value-engineering items pending). - Policy 0167.3 amendment (retain current policy, add read-aloud enforcement language and minor wording fix): Approved, vote 7' 0. - Policy 8505 technical corrections: Approved, vote 7' 0.

Board members said the approvals will allow administrators to proceed with contracting and project oversight. Several trustees requested continued reporting on budget-to-actual costs and updates on value-engineering choices for the softball field.