# 11.9.26 Operations Work Group


**Body:** Madison Board of Education
**Date:** November 10, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Education, Physical Infrastructure


The Madison Board of Education Operations Work Group met on November 10, 2026. The board received a facilities referendum update: phase-one construction is progressing, and phase-two bids for steel, concrete, and earthwork came in at or under budget. Electrical, plumbing, and fire-protection bids were expected in the coming weeks. Staff said playground equipment costs were forecast to rise about 7%—roughly $70,000 on a $1 million purchase—and described moving quickly to market to manage escalation. A furniture RFP is planned for December, with board decisions anticipated in January; specifications are being developed with school-based teams and are intended to combine purchases across three phases, support reuse and sustainability, and secure warranties. No new construction or furniture contract award was made at this meeting. The board approved the October 19 and 26 meeting minutes.

The group also reviewed preliminary planning for the 2027–28 budget, including a forthcoming health-insurance RFP, expected in March, and the final $20 million installment of the voter-approved $100 million facilities referendum. Food Services reported higher participation and net income up 13% through September 30, while revenue was down and expenses fell further; discussion included cost control through scratch cooking, USDA foods, and local sourcing with Mad Local Foods. Evergreen Solutions presented compensation-study recommendations for future budget and stakeholder discussions, but no compensation changes were approved. Public comment raised concerns about student safety and access to education; the meeting also covered meal access and ongoing school construction.

**Source:** Madison Board of Education