Board of Trustees voted to extend its current contract with GCA to provide the custodial services for the district during their regular meeting Monday, May 8.
Lynn Marshall, assistant superintendent of business, finance and facilities, told the board that — based on the Consumer Price Index for the past 12 months — GCA is requesting a 2 percent increase for the upcoming year, amounting to $3,152,369.
'The majority of the increase in the contract amount for the upcoming year is due to the addition of the East Texas Montessori Prep Academy, which has 134,622 square feet of cleanable space,' he added.
'Flex' Program application
Board members also approved re-applying for the Optional Flexible School Day Program (OFSDP) in 2017-18. The program offers flexible scheduling for at-risk high school students, benefiting those unable to attend school in a traditional setting or those who need help catching up.
Dennis Williams, assistant superintendent of administrative and pupil services, told trustees that many students who apply for the program have jobs, family members to take care of, or other situations outside their control and are not able to attend school on a regular basis.
'Attendance accounting will allow for the accumulation of instructional time to earn state funding,' he said. 'The district must hold a public hearing, approve the application, and provide annual reports on the progress of the program.'
Other news...
Later the board approved transfer students, 2016-17 Budget Amendment No. 8, and out-of-state travel via charter bus for the LHS Technology Student Association to attend Nationals in Orlando, in addition to a contract for fleet services, and the 2017 audit:
• Budget Amendment No. 8 allows the district to record fee amounts and slots available at Dade for the 2017 TASB Excellence Award to Child Nutrition for their 'Farm-to-School Produce' program, purchase of 3100 Airline Road, and donations made to the district.
• Trustees approved the $400,000 proposal from Kirk National Lease Company for Contracted Fleet Maintenance.
Lynn Marshall told the board he believes this will 'improve our maintenance operation, as well as create an annual savings when compared to our present level of expenditure.
Kirk National's bid of $68 per shop hour plus parts with a 20 percent markup was better than Lawrence National Lease's $85 per shop hour plus parts and 30 percent markup proposal.
• The board approved $31,000 to Karen A. Jacks & Associates for the fiscal year 2017 Financial Audit.
'We've had a solid relationship with them, they do excellent work,' said Joey Jones, Assistant CFO for the district.
