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Blanchester board waives bidding, approves $173,781 contract to replace middle school PA system
Summary
At a June 5 special session the Blanchester Local Board of Education declared an urgent necessity and authorized a contract with Forward Edge of up to $173,781.30 to replace the middle school PA/intercom system, approving change orders up to 10% of the contract sum in a 4–0 roll call vote.
The Blanchester Local Board of Education voted June 5 to waive competitive bidding and authorize a contract with Forward Edge to replace the Middle School public‑address and intercom system for a contract sum not to exceed $173,781.30.
Superintendent Randy Dunlap recommended the board declare an "urgent necessity" under Ohio law (R.C. §3313.46), arguing that the PA/intercom system is "a critical piece of building operations" and that bidding the work would delay completion and could increase costs. Board member Chris Baker introduced the resolution and Kathy Gephart seconded; a roll call vote recorded four ayes, zero nays.
The district solicited three proposals and selected Forward Edge's proposal. The board authorized the superintendent and treasurer to negotiate and execute the contract and to approve change orders in an aggregate amount not to exceed 10% of the contract sum; any change orders above that threshold must return to the board for approval.
Board documents say the work is scheduled to proceed for the 2025–26 school year; the resolution did not specify the source of funds for the project beyond the contract authorization. The district will present any change orders exceeding the 10% delegation to the board for approval.
The board took the action during a special meeting at the district offices at 957 Cherry Street.
