October 12, 2026 at 4:30 PM - HR / Business Services Committee

The Duluth Public Schools HR / Business Services Committee met October 12, 2026. The main procurement item was the Ordway Elementary School boiler replacement, listed as RFP No. 351 for $223,200 using TIPS cooperative/state-contracted pricing rather than a separate competitive bid. Members asked how this purchasing option fits district procurement policy; staff explained the pricing had been vetted through the purchasing system, and the district needed to proceed promptly because two of the school’s three boilers were failing. Facilities staff also reported upcoming boiler-replacement RFPs, summer roofing work, and a septic-tank replacement at Lakewood Elementary. No vote on these items is clearly recorded in the transcript.

The committee reviewed expenditure contracts, including a $432,000 Wi-Fi license and a Sped Forms LLC IEP-software contract whose term was not confirmed, as well as a YMCA agreement for physical-education space. Members also discussed facilities change orders and planned to seek clarification about a Century fence entry. Other financial discussion included a possible transfer of approximately $2.2 million between district funds, subject to state review and board consideration, and cash-flow planning for an annual payment of about $27 million. The committee reviewed donation and grant resolutions and community partnerships; the transcript does not clearly document votes or approvals.