School board approves $744,500 in upgrades

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This article was published 24/04/2024 (878 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Brandon School Division approved more than $744,500 for several infrastructure projects at its regular meeting on Monday.

The items approved were requests for proposals on refuse removal and recycling, camera licensing, server supply, door and window installation, flooring supply and installation, and the procurement of new vehicles.

Trustee Duncan Ross, speaking on behalf of the finance and facilities committee, recommended the acceptance of a tender from Overland Waste and Recycling for refuse removal and recycling services worth $184,163.21 for 2024-25 to 2026-27.

“The secretary-treasurer reviewed the memo and tender summary regarding the refuse removal and recycling, noting that Overland Waste and Recycling submitted the lowest bid,” he told the board. “The committee agreed because the amount for 2024-2025 is within budget.”

Ross recommended the approval of another tender from Paladin Technologies worth $125,932.50 for the supply of 450 camera software licences funded from the 2023-24 operating budget.

Recognizing the need to replace aging infrastructure that can no longer support new software requirements, he recommended the approval of Powerland’s tender worth $64,957.24 for the supply of four servers, funded from the 2023-24 budget.

The new servers will accommodate future storage and camera growth, further enhancing security measures within the division, he said.

The board also considered door and window installation with the tender from Horizon Glass Ltd. for the supplies funded through the 2024-25 operating budget. The amount was $126,390.50.

To meet summer scheduling requirements, the trustee also recommended the approval of a tender from Jacobson Commercial Ltd. for the supply, removal and installation of flooring. The amount for the project, also funded through the 2024-25 operating budget, was $114,272.04.

Lastly, Ross recommended the procurement of two new 2024 Ford F-150 XLT Super Crew 4×4 trucks from Kelleher Ford, adding the total amount for this purchase, funded through the 2024-25 operating budget, was $128,866.00.

The board voted unanimously in favour of Ross’s recommendations, acknowledging the need to enhance security, modernize facilities and ensure the smooth operation of educational activities within the division.

The board also discussed a motion received regarding additional project supports for a classroom addition at Maryland Park School and roof replacement at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School.

Secretary-treasurer Denis Labossiere said $97,800 will be incurred on the additional project supports for the two schools.

“The fund covers various expenses, including traffic analysis and land surveying among others,” he told the Sun on Monday. “We take out a promissory note and the province pays on behalf of the division, although it is reflected in our financial statements.”

The board unanimously approved the motion, noting its commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of educational activities within the division.

Jordan’s Principle co-ordinator Sheryl Playford, in her presentation to the board, outlined the program’s pivotal role in assisting families and staff in accessing various programs, services and supports to enhance health, education and social outcomes for First Nations children.

She emphasized the challenges many First Nations families face in navigating the application process and highlighted the program’s proactive approach in providing personalized assistance to caregivers and service providers.

“Our role extends beyond mere application assistance; we strive to establish a personal connection with families, guiding them through the process and ensuring they receive the necessary support,” Playford told the board. “The program operates in collaboration with different entities, including Indigenous Services Canada and tribal councils, streamlining the intake and referral processes to expedite assistance delivery.”

Playford emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach, which encompasses providing education, information and advocacy to eligible First Nations and Inuit children and their families. She also noted that the program is facing overwhelming demand for its services.

In response to Trustee Kim Fallis’s concerns about workload management, Playford acknowledged the growing demands of the program and expressed gratitude for the recent addition of support staff. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and managing resources effectively to ensure continued service delivery.

Playford addressed questions from board vice-chair Jim Murray regarding support eligibility for graduating students, saying the program extends assistance to eligible students up to 18 years old, including those graduating within that age range. However, she clarified that assistance beyond the age of 18 is contingent on certain criteria and may involve referrals to other agencies.

Chair Linda Ross commended Playford for her dedication to the program’s mission and expressed empathy for the challenges she faces.

“Your commitment to serving our community’s children is truly admirable, despite the overwhelming workload. We recognize and appreciate your efforts,” Ross said.

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