Board hears bids, approves retroactive asbestos payment and considers bus‑camera purchases

Finance presenter CJ Mashad told the board that Central High School is out to bid for bond work and that several capital projects remain underway. Mashad summarized three Ada Vista‑related items: a previously incurred emergency asbestos abatement payment of $51,460, a subsequent request for an additional $248,022 to complete the remainder of the project, and purchases for new media‑center shelving (not to exceed $35,100) for the 2023 capital projects fund.

Mashad also outlined a vehicle‑safety purchase request to equip buses with 25 stop‑arm cameras and 55 entrance/exit cameras to bring older buses in line with newer standards; the requested purchase amount for the equipment from the general fund was cited as $52,800. He reviewed routine annual items as well: formalizing superintendent and assistant superintendent salary schedules; adopting a resolution to join a nationwide class‑action insulin lawsuit (no cost to join noted); the annual resolution to collect 50% of local taxes in the summer (a recurring practice since 1986 for the district); and a property tax reimbursement to Kent County of $40,403.83.

Mashad asked if there were questions; trustees had none at the time and the packet items were set up as action items in the finance section. Several of the listed items were described as recommended purchases or resolutions and will appear on the board's action agenda for formal votes or were included in consent/finance action consideration.