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Northern Local approves finance, procurement and contract items; trustee concerns about vendor reliability
Summary
The board approved a package of finance and procurement measures — including budget adjustments, an RFP award recommendation for waste removal that may save roughly $32,659 annually, a GAAP services contract, and service agreements — while asking staff to clarify vendor cancellation and service guarantees.
At its Feb. 20 meeting, the Northern Local Schools Board approved a multi‑item business and finance package that included the January financial reports, several budget adjustments to federal and activity accounts, recognition of donations, establishment of a Pepsi scholarship fund, disposal of obsolete or non‑operational assets, approval of a Student Wellness and DPIA funding plan, and a three‑year GAAP services proposal from accounting firm Julian & Grube.
Treasurer Jennie Clifton summarized an RFP for waste removal submitted by four companies—Rumpke, Waste Management, Win‑Waste and Shackleford’s Disposal—and said Shackleford’s presented the most attractive bid with estimated annual savings of about $32,659.20 compared with the current contract. Board members raised concerns about Shackleford’s ability to provide consistent service and reliable equipment; Clifton said she would seek clarification of cancellation terms and report back to the board.
Clifton and the district’s insurance committee also reported that medical claims have been higher than projected and recommended the board issue an RFP for medical insurance to contain costs; she warned that the self‑insurance fund could face a negative cash balance and that a general fund transfer to meet IBNR (incurred but not reported) obligations of roughly $608,000 might be required.
Other approved items included an agreement between Muskingum Valley ESC and Holy Trinity for Title I reading intervention services, and a field placement agreement with Grand Canyon University. All package items were approved on a consolidated motion by Mr. Levi Dupler, seconded by Mrs. Megan Miller, and carried on a 5‑0 roll call.
Votes at a glance: Approvals were recorded by roll call (5‑0) for the financial reports and adjustments, GAAP proposal, Title I agreements, Student Wellness and DPIA plan, asset disposals, and related items. The board directed the treasurer to clarify vendor terms before finalizing waste removal contracts.
Next steps: Treasurer Clifton will follow up with Shackleford's Disposal on service guarantees and cancellation language; the administration will proceed with procurement and insurance‑RFP tasks as directed.
