Lakeland School Board approves $98K bleacher replacement for Middle School

The Lakeland School District Board of Trustees convened for its regular meeting on March 19, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including facility upgrades and budget reallocations.

The meeting commenced with a proposal to approve VibeTech Specialties for the installation of new bleachers at Lakeland Middle School, totaling $98,007.58. This project is part of a cooperative purchase, which allows the district to bypass a full bidding process. Trustee Gerson confirmed that the district had set aside $105,000 for this project, indicating that it would come in under budget. The new bleachers will replace existing wooden structures and are designed to be similar to those at the high school, albeit manual rather than motorized. The board unanimously approved the motion.

Following this, the board addressed a change order related to a siding project, which had an unused budget of $107,000. It was noted that the district currently owes $89,000 for this project, which is being managed through a bond company due to numerous claims against the contractor.

The discussion then shifted to fencing compliance at Lakeland Middle School and Lakeland High School. It was revealed that the fencing at the middle school is only 4.5 feet tall on the roadside, failing to meet the required 6-foot standard. The board discussed the need for repairs and replacements to ensure safety and compliance.

Trustees also reviewed the aging fleet of vehicles used for district operations. A request was made to purchase a used 1-ton flatbed truck to facilitate equipment transport and de-icing operations, which would save costs on rentals. The board emphasized the importance of maintaining an efficient fleet to support district needs.

Another significant topic was the replacement of a boiler system at Twin Lakes Elementary School. The existing boilers, which were outdated and incompatible with the glycol used, have been problematic. The board considered replacing the entire system for $65,000, which would provide a longer warranty and better efficiency.

The meeting concluded with discussions on reallocating funds for various projects, including carpet installation and custodial equipment. The board expressed concerns about ensuring that all projects are completed in a timely manner, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the use of allocated funds.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to improving school facilities and addressing maintenance issues while managing budget constraints effectively. The next steps will involve further discussions on project prioritization and funding allocations in upcoming workshops.