Board approves consent agenda including $335,611 interactive-panel purchase and $74,439 Reading Horizons contract

The Butts County Board of Education approved a consent agenda on July 22 that included a $74,439.54 renewal of the Reading Horizons phonics program and a $335,611 Title I purchase to replace aging interactive flat panels.

Danny, a district staff member, summarized the consent items and said the Reading Horizons contract is a continuation of the phonics program used in elementary schools. "This is a continuation of the program. We have $74,439.54," he said.

On instructional-technology replacements, Danny said the district used an RFP process, involved teachers in hands-on evaluations and selected the vendor Harry Jones because of product performance and warranty terms. "They have a seven-year warranty with a Title I purchase for $335,611," Danny said.

The consent package also included surplus property and textbooks (with several buses slated for auction), updates to Ameris Bank purchasing-card authorizations to remove departing principals and add replacements, and a roster of facility rentals: Southern Crescent performances and community events, Butts County Acting Guild rehearsal and shows, ministry services by Luke Remington and a bridal vendor rental. Danny noted the district tried to stagger rentals to avoid conflicts with Friday-night football parking.

A board member moved to approve the consent agenda and another board member seconded; the chair called for the vote and the motion carried by voice without recorded opposition.

The board did not discuss or change the items on the consent agenda during the meeting; staff indicated they followed procurement rules for the interactive panels and that teacher input guided the vendor selection. The contract and procurement details (vendor name, warranty, and Title I funding designation) were presented to the board as part of the consent package.