Board holds first readings on device use, change-order and purchasing policies

The board reviewed three policies in a first-reading status: Policy 7470 on the use of internet-enabled devices during the school day; Policy 5420, which lowers the superintendent/designee authority on construction project change orders from $35,000 to $10,000; and Policy 5410, which updates purchasing procedures including a requirement for three written quotes for items between $5,000 and $34,999.99 and a bid process for purchases over $35,000.

Chair (speaker 1) explained the policies were developed with the policy committee and administrative staff and are intended to ensure state compliance and clearer operational rules. "The change was the superintendent of schools and Designee is authorized to improve construction project change orders in the amount matched or exceed $10,000," the chair said during the presentation. Board members asked procedural questions about timing and implementation; the chair said the district aims to have the internet usage form in place by Sept. 1 to notify parents and support the transition.

Board members were directed to bring specific questions back to the policy committee; the chair said the committee will review wording and any edits will be presented at a future meeting. No policy was adopted at this meeting; all three were advanced as first readings and will return for subsequent consideration.