During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the procurement and installation of flat panels within the school district. A member expressed shock upon discovering that approximately $20,000 had been allocated for the installation of these panels without prior notification to the board. The discussion highlighted a lack of transparency, as the expenditure had not been presented for approval, raising questions about the decision-making process.

The member questioned why the installation could not be handled by district employees instead of hiring outside vendors, emphasizing the need for accountability in spending taxpayer money. The superintendent clarified that any procurement exceeding $10,000 requires approval from the business office and the superintendent, but the specifics of the panel purchase and installation process remained unclear.

Further inquiries were made about the cost of the panels themselves, with estimates suggesting they could range from $2,500 to $3,000 each. The board was urged to provide an invoice detailing the total costs associated with the panels. Another member noted that while the installation cost seemed high, it was competitive compared to their own experiences, suggesting that the expertise required for proper installation justified the expense.

The meeting underscored the importance of transparency and communication within the district regarding financial decisions, particularly those involving substantial sums of money. The board agreed to address the procurement process and ensure that future expenditures are communicated effectively to all members.