MCBOE Receives Facilities Update
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Montgomery County Schools Assistant Superintendent Brian Barnhill provided the Board of Education with an update on the work at the schools’ facilities during the Board’s regular monthly meeting on July 17.
According to Barnhill, the roof repair at Eagle Academy has been completed, and employees are now surveying the inside areas of the building to determine what further repairs are necessary.
The new fence at Montgomery County Elementary School is almost finished, and new picnic tables have been installed at the school’s playgrounds. The playground’s climbing dome, which was removed because of safety concerns, has been listed for sale on the school’s website, but has not received any bids. Preparation is also underway for the school’s sensory room, which will help serve the special education department.
The work on the middle/ high school’s security wall will be completed shortly. The installation of the bulletproof glass in the building’s lobbies and front offices has been delayed because of a supply issue. Barnhill stated that because of the amount of space and work needed to complete the project, this installation will be delayed until a break during the school year, specifically during the Thanksgiving break.
Director of Transportation Reggie Ricks informed the Board that the buses that have been purchased still have not been received because of the demand caused by the issue of grants to purchase buses. Ricks said that schools in Georgia had purchased 500 buses, and the Blue Bird Company had to construct a new facility to be able to meet the demand. He expects to get two of the buses in late August.
A change to the Board’s purchasing policy was also approved during the policy’s second official reading at the meeting. The policy has remained on the district’s website for 30 days for the public review and comment prior to Monday’s meeting.
This policy amendment states that purchases less than $5,000 are not required to obtain quotes, but the purchaser should use their best judgment regarding cost and source of supply.
Purchases of more than $5,000, but less than $10,000, should have three written quotes or proof of attempt to acquire written quotes. Where feasible, a local bid not in excess of 2% of the out-of-county bid will be considered to assist the local economy or taxpayers.
For purchases of more than $10,000, but less than $25,000, three formal written quotes are required and must be presented at the next Board meeting. Where feasible, a local bid not in excess of 2% of the out-of-county bid will be considered to assist the local economy or taxpayers.
The same guidelines apply for purchases of more than $25,000, but less than $100,000, except in the case of an emergency. If the purchase is determined as an emergency by the superintendent, his designee, or the Board, the formal process may be averted.
Purchases of over $100,000 must be supported by a sealed bid, which will be presented to the Board for approval. Where feasible, a local bid not in excess of 2% of the out-of-county bid will be considered to assist the local economy or taxpayers.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Coastal Plains High School, an alternate school option for those who cannot or wish not to attend the traditional school day, and the Montgomery County School System. Both Superintendent Stan Rentz and Board Chairman Henry Price emphasized their appreciation for Coastal Plains, as it helps to keep students from dropping out completely.
A $100 salary supplement per meeting for the Board members and Superintendent’s Assistant was approved by the Board. The resignations of bus driver Lamar Fountain and custodian Jeanna Hall were accepted, while new hires Showanika Bryant – food service assistant, Eboni Floyd – food service assistant, David Jackson – food service substitute, and Darrell Rowell – teacher substitute, were approved. The Board also agreed to transfer Rubie Jo Terrell from the post of a school food assistant to custodian.
