Chandler Board of Education members have awarded contracts on two of the projects included in a bond proposal that voters overwhelmingly approved in February of 2023.
School Supt. Scott Baade said the board awarded the contracts on the Media Center at East Side Elementary School and the Track Field House. They were approved during a special board meeting on May 10, he said.
The total bid for the two projects is $2,976,492, Baade confirmed this week. Joe D. Hall is the Construction Manager hired by the board.
He said bids were opened on May 1.
Baade noted that dirt work is to begin this week.
The Chandler school bond issue, during an election on Feb. 14, 2023, garnered 386 votes in favor with only 95 against.
Baade has previously explained the four projects the board members chose to include in the proposal were a Media Center/Library for East Side Elementary School; a track field house/public restrooms/concession stand; Classroom cameras with microphones; and an Ag truck.
“The bond issue totals $3,880,000,” Baade noted. The bond will pay off in five years.
The board employed Stephen H. McDonald and Associates as financial consultants for the bond issue.
He said the financial consultant recommended the bond issue be five years rather than six as originally thought. “That will save us $138,000 in interest,” Baade said.
During their regular meeting on Monday of this week, board members hired a number of new personnel, re-employed all professional and temporary certified staff and accepted several resignations.
Those new personnel hired include Mary Means, reading specialist; Zachary Fisher, band director; Melissa Hall, Junior High counselor; Jacalyn Allen, school nurse; Rayvn Bevard, elementary teacher; Amanda Raper, elementary teacher; Catherine Smith, Severe and Profound Special Education teacher; and Paige Smith, full-time bus driver.
Resignations accepted include Haylley Harris, Junior High counselor, Rachel Karger, band director, and James (Sandy) Allen, bus driver.
In other business, board members: Adopted a resolution for Schools and Libraries Universal Services (ERate) for 2023-2024. It also authorizes filing of a form for applications for funding year 2024-2025 and payment of the applicant’s share upon approval of funding and receipt of services.
Approved the first year of a three-year lease agreement between Ross Transportation and Chandler Public Schools for the 2024/2025 school year.
Approved the first year of a three-year lease agreement between Sumner One and Chandler Public Schools for the 2024/2025 school year.
Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lincoln County Partnership for Child Well Being for the summer reading program.
Approved joining the OSSBA Natural Gas Consortium.
Approved a MOU with Stroud Public Schools Alternative Education Co-op for the 2024/2025 school year.
Approved the updated “Return to Learn 2.0 Plan” for the 2024/2025 school year.
Entered into an agreement with the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) to participate in CCOSA’S District Level Services for SY 2024/2025.
Approved the Comprehensive Employment Service Agreement provided by OSSBA (formerly known as OPSUCA) for SY 2024-2025.
Approved the policy services renewal with the OSSBA for SY 2024/2025.
Approved the continuation of District Membership with OSSBA for 2024/2025.
Approved the East Central Oklahoma On-Line Consortium between Gordon Cooper Technology Center and Chandler Public Schools for the 2024/2025 school year.
Approved the Special Services Agreement with Crossroads Youth and Family Services Coop Head Start for the 2024/2025 school year.
Approved a contract with Shelley Haley as website coordinator for SY 2024/2025.
Approved the revision to the policy “Student Transfers.”
Approved the policy “Artificial Intelligence Systems and Tools Use in the School District.”
Approved a list of Google Chromebooks and parts as surplus.
Approved a list of secondary English books as surplus.