Wanda Chastang

The committee discussed the High School baseball and softball complex GMP review. They presented the Guaranty maximum frauds for the new sports complex at the Valdosta High School. They received bids from subcontractors, with a significant portion from Lowndes County subs and suppliers. Discussions also covered the sports turf installation, coordination between contractors, and specifications for the turf system, including allowances for logos and design features.

The meeting addressed project timelines for several facilities-related initiatives, including the Valdosta High School track and soccer facility addition, the Valdosta High School multi-purpose facility, the new district office, and the Valdosta High School culinary arts lab. There was discussion regarding VSU's commitment to the stadium turf replacement, with considerations for a repayment agreement. Updates were provided on summer projects, such as interior painting and renovations at Horizon Academy and Batin Middle School, as well as lighting upgrades at Newber Middle School. The possibility of outsourcing middle school custodial services was also discussed.

The meeting included discussions on local participation from contractors, procedures and requirements. It also involved updates on district-wide facilities needs, a review of projects in progress, projects for the upcoming fiscal years, and projects for the future. The committee discussed exterior wall repairs and a recommendation to award the project to Gideon Constructors.

The committee discussed moving SPLOST funds to the capital projects account for baseball and softball field turf installation. They also discussed the series 2024 A and B bonds, including adopting the bond resolution and purchase agreement, and receiving funds in March. The committee considered investing construction funds and capitalized interest proceeds in a US Treasury demand deposit SLG bank to avoid rebate and spending deadlines.

The meeting included recognizing a communication specialist for an award of merit for a video celebrating the 130th anniversary of Valdosta City Schools. The board also reviewed the Georgia Milestones results for the past school year, covering achievement levels, district-wide results by content area, and school-level results. There was a discussion about the need to investigate the results for sixth to seventh grade and the implementation of training programs for ELA and reading.