Robin Houston

The regular meeting included approval of committee program reports via consent motion. Discussions covered the extension of Air Filters pricing until June 30, 2026, and the extension of the Classroom & Office Supplies program until January 31, 2027, with current vendors and utilization of AEPA pricing. Updates were provided on Cloud Communication Systems features available through Nebula Solutions. The Copy Paper Program extension through February 28th was noted, including pricing comparisons and discount/rebate structures. Legal counsel is negotiating an agreement with AGM Energy Services to serve as the Design Build Criteria Engineer, with related presentations planned for the March 10, 2026 meeting. Food Service updates covered Buy American and administrative review processes. The Insurance team is managing post-open enrollment cleanup and commencing 2027 projections analysis. Updates were shared regarding LED Lighting & Energy Savings Programs and Liability Fleet & Property Insurance renewal efforts. New bus bids, valid through March 1, 2026, were reviewed, showing an average price increase since 2018. Utility comparisons included electricity prices and natural gas hedge history. Spring Safety Training dates are forthcoming for Workers' Compensation. The financial report indicated a General Fund balance of $1,105,422.24 as of December 31, 2025. Additionally, members were notified that charge paks and adult pads for LP CR Plus AEDs will be discontinued in February 2026, with rebate opportunities for returns.

The Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council convened for a regular meeting where several key topics were addressed. A presentation was given by Retire Med iQ on retirement health insurance plans. Membership applications from Bluffton Exempted Village Schools, Continental Local Schools, and the Global Village Academy were approved pending Executive Board approval. An extension of classroom and office supply pricing with current vendors is being considered. Fine paper pricing with Office Depot, Sterling Paper, and Veritiv was extended through March 31, 2020. The EPC Liability, Fleet & Property Insurance members met to discuss their upcoming renewal, and the program's net cash position increased significantly. An awarded bid for security cameras to Konica Minolta was announced. Updates on transportation, utilities, and worker's compensation were provided, including the availability of bus bid documents and results on the EPC website, the hedging of natural gas prices, and a review of the general operating fund's financial summary. Information on AED's and the AEPA conference was also shared.

The Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council held a meeting to discuss various topics. The meeting included the election of executive board members and the adoption of an amendment to the constitution regarding the frequency of general membership meetings. Committee reports covered audio visual resources, carpet tiles, classroom supplies, cloud communication systems, custodial supplies and air filters, fine paper, and food service agreements. Discussions also included furniture discounts, insurance updates, LED lighting and energy savings programs, liability insurance, library books, medical supplies, paint pricing, security cameras, transportation, vehicles, and utilities. The council also reviewed the financial report, AED pricing, and AEPA promotions. The annual EPC Educational Vendor Fair was canceled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Membership applications for several boards of developmental disabilities and local schools were approved. Updates were provided on audio-visual discounts, classroom supplies, and custodial supplies. Drug and alcohol testing pricing was accepted, and fine paper pricing was extended. The EPC Food Service committee awarded food service bids, and Bonnie Berkemeyer was thanked for her work with on-site food service training. Updates were given on insurance programs, LED lighting, energy savings programs, liability insurance, and library books. The upcoming EPC Bus Bid Process was discussed, and natural gas hedges and electricity contract extensions were reviewed. The financial summary of the general operating fund was presented, and information on the AEPA Vendor CDWG was shared. Planning for the next annual EPC Educational Vendor Fair was underway.

The Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council meeting addressed several key areas. Membership applications for multiple schools and centers were reviewed and approved. The extension of audio-visual discounts with META Solutions was accepted, and website difficulties with School Specialty pricing for classroom supplies were noted. Updates were provided on cloud communication systems, custodial supplies, air filters, and disinfection services. Drug and alcohol testing pricing was secured, and fine paper pricing was extended. Discussions covered COVID-19's impact on school food service, insurance rebates, LED lighting, energy savings programs, and liability insurance. Security camera bids were awarded, and an upcoming bus bid process was detailed. Information on available vehicles, natural gas hedging, and worker's compensation was shared. The financial report and AEPA programs were reviewed, along with joint purchasing legal opinions and PPE items.