Board approves computer purchases
Staff reporter
Durham-Hillsboro-Lehigh USD 410 board of education met Monday and approved the purchase of 40 laptop computers.
Bids were reviewed and Braden Computers was awarded the lowest bid for Intel Pentium4 processors. The total purchase price was $27,300.
The new computers will replace outdated computers with 30 computers going to the business/computer lab and 10 for teachers' use.
Superintendent Gordon Mohn said the purchase is within the budget.
In separate business, Mohn presented a proposal from Gateway for 36 notebook computers that could be purchased on a lease.
The lease could be over a three-year period with payments of $18,690 per year. There would be no additional charge for the lease arrangement.
The total cost for the laptops would be $56,066. The cost also includes a mobile cart. Of the 36 laptops, 11 would be for teachers and 25 for students in the computer lab.
Mohn told the board he prefers working with Gateway over Dell because when he calls with a question, it's easier to reach a person instead of a machine. Gateway also is willing to send a representative to the school.
The purchase of 11 laptops to be used by teachers for training in June was approved.
Board members tabled the discussion of financial planning for 2004-05 due to the legislature's delay in passing a school finance package.
However, the board did offer suggestions to Mohn. Board member Doug Weinbrenner said he does not see a need for a tax increase.
"We've got some reserves," said Weinbrenner. "Eventually we may need a tax increase but not now."
Brent Barkman said, "Every year we put off a tax increase, giving legislators one more chance."
"We need to look at the impact of tax increases," Mohn said. He used the example a family of four with a household income of $40,000 per year having a tax increase of $10 per month.
"We're at the crisis point for school financing in Kansas," Mohn added.
In other business:
— Mohn presented a report from Vince Haines, architect with Prigmore, Krievins, Haines, Limon, regarding fire exits.
An analysis of costs and feasibility of providing additional exists to the classrooms above the HHS auditorium were reviewed.
Haines' report stated a second stair within the building for an additional exit is not feasible. Therefore, the only means would be with an exterior fire exit stair.
Mohn said he was concerned about the existing liability issue with students.
The report indicated a platform from the classrooms to a common exit stair. The stairs and platform would extend into the courtyard a minimum of eight feet and would be an open steel type of stair. Estimated costs would be $17,000 to $20,000.
Haines said the stairs could be enclosed and solve the liability and safety concerns at an approximate cost of $90,000.
No decisions were made.
— A list of summer maintenance work was reviewed.
— An interest-based bargaining meeting will be May 12. Jerry Hinerman, district business manager, and Mohn will give a presentation on school financing.
The bargaining meeting is set for May 20 but Mohn said he is doubtful negotiations will be settled before the end of the school year.
— The board approved the use of district buses Sept. 18 for the Hillsboro Arts and Crafts Fair. The district will provide buses and drivers and charge the association for drivers' salaries and fuel costs. Drivers' salaries would be at their usual rate of compensation.
— Gifts were acknowledged from Hillsboro Kiwanis Club, and donations from Barkman Honey, Dalke Construction, Countryside Feeds, and Hillsboro Industries for the FFA Dairy Contest award program.
— Bills were reviewed and approved. No dollar amount was stated.
— Three executive sessions were held by the board. One session was prior to the acceptance of teacher resignations and was called for the purpose of discussing personnel.
A second executive session was held for personnel issues.
The third executive session was held to discuss negotiations.
Regular session reconvened after each executive session with no decisions.
