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Board Meeting Preview - May 3, 2023
Columbus City Schools
Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, May 3, at 6:00 p.m., 3700 S. High Street (Southland Center)
Viewing the Board Meeting
The Columbus Board of Education regular business meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Southland Center (3700 S. High St.).
Meeting attendees will need to enter the north-facing door toward the west end of the building.
The meeting will be streamed via Facebook Live and the Columbus City Schools' BOE YouTube Channel. For more information on meeting dates and times, click here. Also, visit the Columbus City Schools BOE YouTube Channel to view past Board meetings.
The Columbus Board of Education will hold regular office hours before all regular business meetings from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. The office hours will allow community members to meet with Board members one-on-one, ask questions, and share their thoughts and concerns.
Meeting Agenda Topics
The meeting agenda topics include:
14.1 - Supporting Equitable Opportunities for All, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to enter into a purchase agreement to purchase server equipment from CDW-G.
14.2 - Supporting Strong Learning Communities in Every Region, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to continue to purchase parts from NEWEGG Business for the remainder of FY24. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of computing devices serviced by the technology group has increased exponentially. Based on the growth of the device pool, the need for repair parts has increased as well. The District has been using NEWEGG Business as a low-cost option for purchasing computer parts and screens over the last several years.
14.5 - Supporting Strong Learning Communities in Every Region, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to continue minimal Centrex and long-distance services, Primary Rate Interface (PRI) line service, and service to WCBE with AT&T. While the majority of the District's telephone services are provided through the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) partnership with the City of Columbus, it is necessary to maintain a number of Centrex connections in the buildings for fax machine service, fire alarm calling and security.
14.7 - Supporting Equitable Opportunities for All, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to purchase printer toner from Andrew Belmont Sargent Business Products, Inc. for the remainder of FY24. The District has an ongoing need for printer toner and would like to continue with the current agreement.
14.8 - Supporting Equitable Opportunities for All, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to purchase additional Chromebook computers from CBTS, LLC. The Office of Technology is seeking approval to purchase up to 4,000 additional Chromebook computers for incoming students to the District. In addition, this group of Chromebooks will be utilized to replace those devices requiring repair or that have been damaged, lost, or reported as stolen.
18.3 - Supporting Equitable Opportunities for All and Authentic Engagement, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to approve the contract with Vasco Asphalt Company dba Vasco Sports Contractors for the Outdoor Athletics at Multiple Sites, Project No. 23005-E & 23006-F, and direct the Board President and Treasurer/CFO to execute the agreement. Funded by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III (ESSER III), the District continues its efforts to reduce the amount of deferred maintenance and to gradually improve the condition of district facilities through a series of targeted improvements across multiple disciplines at multiple facilities. This initiative will address Outdoor Athletics at multiple district facilities; Mifflin HS and Walnut Ridge HS. The sites were identified as a priority for improvements because the existing systems are at the end of their useful lives.
18.4 - Supporting Equitable Opportunities for All and Authentic Engagement, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to approve the general contract with Prodigy Building Solutions, LLC. Funded by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund III (ESSER III) Grant (507-5292), this initiative will target HVAC and support system upgrades. These funds allow for repairing and improving school facilities to reduce the risk of virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards, and to support student health needs. Based upon the condition of the existing systems, Phase 23025 of the HVAC Overhaul projects will include Mifflin Middle School. The existing heating and ventilation systems are beyond useful life and failing, resulting in inefficient operation and poor climate control.
18.6 - Supporting Strong Learning Communities for All and Authentic Engagement, the Board will be asked to authorize the administration to purchase furnishings and services from Virco, Inc. There is the need for new furnishings to complete the interior renovations at Hamilton STEM Academy over the summer 2023 break.
For additional background information and to view the full meeting agenda, click here.
Making a Public Comment
Any public participant wishing to make comments has the option of addressing the Board in person or by telephone. To sign up, public participants must call to leave a voicemail with Customer Relations at 614-365-8888 or email customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3. Speakers will need to provide their name, topic, and phone number.
Upcoming Meetings
May 3 - Columbus Board of Education Meeting (3700 S. High St.), 6:00 p.m. (Board Office Hours 5:15 p.m.)
May 10 - Governance, Policy, and Advocacy Committee Meeting (3700 S. High St.), 9:00 a.m.
May 10 - Finance and Appropriations Committee Meeting (3700 S. High St.), 4:00 p.m.
May 16 - Columbus Board of Education Meeting, Mifflin High School (3245 Oak Spring St.), 6:00 p.m. (Board Office Hours 5:15 p.m.)