Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
The Harlan Independent Board of Education, meeting in special session on Tuesday, approved the district’s 2012-2013 working budget. Board Chairman Joe Meadors inquired about increases in electrical costs for the school system, asking how it compared to last year’s expenditures.
“I think it was a little higher, but not quite as much as we expected,” said Johnson. “This year we’re expecting it to go up some more. In some areas, we’re pleased and others not as (pleased).”
After approving a Kentucky Purchasing Cooperative Membership Agreement, Johnson said “This will allow the district to participate in cooperative purchasing at a savings.”
“We’ve had this, so this is just a continuation,” said Johnson. “We’ve been a member of this primarily through the KEDC (Kentucky Educational Development Corporation). We’re no longer a member of KEDC, but are continuing with KPC (Kentucky Purchasing Cooperative).
Products and services solicited by the Kentucky Purchasing Cooperative range from office supplies and computer software to band supplies and food on behalf of its member districts. Their collective bidding approach benefits school districts, allowing vendors to prepare and submit only one bid proposal for KPC, as opposed to reviewing bid specifications and customizing individual proposals for each cooperative or district. Because of this, vendors are able to offer lower prices and greater discounts to school districts, meaning schools that face leaner budgets can stretch their dollars a little further.
In other action, the board:
* Tabled awarding bids for maintenance equipment and materials. Johnson ask that he have more time to exam the bids submitted.
* Approved a contract for service with Teresa Osborne, of Leslie County, who provides services for visually impaired students in the district.
After entering into executive session per KRS 61.810 (l.c), board members returned with no action taken.
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com
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