Board approves technology, transportation and food contracts including servers, bus cameras and air conditioning units

The Henry County Public Schools Board of Education on May 20 voted unanimously to approve a set of procurement and contract items covering technology infrastructure, transportation safety and the food supply contract for cafeterias.

The technology department recommended replacement of servers that host the district’s network and applications. The board approved purchase of the infrastructure upgrades from ePlus under TIPS contract number 230105 with a fiscal impact of $100,161.78 charged to FY25 instruction funds.

The board also approved installation of backup cameras on the district’s entire bus fleet. Staff said bids were solicited from three vendors and King Moore Supply (Mount Crawford, Va.) submitted the lowest price; the estimated cost for 130 buses is $157,742 and will be paid from this year’s transportation budget.

On bus cooling, the board approved purchase and installation of air-conditioning systems for 21 special-education buses from Kingmore Supply (sole-source) at a total cost of $321,000. Staff explained the cost varies by bus type because of engine-area access; those 21 buses currently lack factory air conditioning.

For school meals, the board approved a one-year contract (with up to four renewal options) for cafeteria food supplies with RRS Food Service, a division of J L Culpepper (Ashland). Staff noted only one bidder responded to the solicitation and that the contract aligns with the nutrition budget; the district’s annual nutrition budget was stated in discussion at about $1,500,000.

All four procurement items were moved, seconded and approved by roll call or voice vote; board documents and the meeting transcript record unanimous approval.

Ending: Staff told the board they will proceed with purchase orders and vendor scheduling; timelines for installations were discussed informally, with technology and transportation staff noting vendor availability could affect completion dates.