Gull Lake Community School District

The Finance Committee reviewed the Bus Purchase Recommendation, which proposed the purchase of 8 diesel-powered buses according to the 5-year plan, with a total cost of $1,331,676 before trade-ins. The Committee also discussed the Food Service Budget, future planning for the Excess Fund Balance, food choices, and technology allocations. A review of the GLVP Program showed a revenue surplus over expenses of $1,592,322.76. Furthermore, an enrollment update was provided, covering 2024--2025 GLVP enrollment and a historical overview of the district's fund balance. The Committee reviewed projected budget amendments resulting from an enrollment increase, and the November 2025 Budget Report.

Key discussions included an update on the Tennis Building Project, where architectural renderings were reviewed, utility considerations were discussed, and a preliminary cost estimate of $997,647 was established, with potential cost reductions of $100,000--$150,000 identified. The Committee approved the Filter First Proposal from TowerPinkster to address drinking fountain updates compliant with state mandates, supported by $136,000 in grant funding. Additionally, Superintendent Rundle reviewed five preliminary facility plans for bond planning, which will proceed to Board review after administrative feedback. Updates were also provided on the Pathway of Pride, including rendering reviews and discussion on relocating the Brad Horn memorial, and the cold storage project at the GLCFA, where fire alarm tie-in is complete but control systems for heat pumps are pending.

The committee meeting focused on community engagement and communications concerning future financial needs. Key discussion points included the need for a future bond, how to effectively communicate this to the public, and reviewing the role of architectural firms in bond-related marketing. Discussions covered enrollment trends, capacity considerations, five-year growth projections, and the Department of Treasury's capacity formula. Concerns were raised regarding current building capacity, specifically at Ryan Intermediate. The committee also discussed the process required for a potential bond vote, including consulting legal counsel and establishing a separate Board-appointed bond steering committee. Finally, the committee considered the process for selecting new architectural or construction management firms.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on updates for several facilities projects. Regarding the Tennis Building, plans and renderings were provided to AVB Construction for budgeting, with a detailed presentation from Tower Pinkster scheduled for the following month. Facility planning is in the early stages, focusing on elementary schools, and included discussions on assessing existing facilities and enrollment needs. The Director of Buildings & Grounds reported that outside cold storage for the PAC and Maintenance is now delayed until the beginning of the next year. Furthermore, the architectural contract for the mandated Filter First work was received and will be reviewed in January. Discussions also covered project funding and potential use of remaining budget funds for 'wish list' items.

The Curriculum Committee reviewed the K-5 District Improvement Plans and Vision. Discussions included the implementation status of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) program in Y5-2 classrooms and the ongoing use of the Reveal math curriculum for grades 3-5. Updates were provided regarding Cultural Agility professional development across all buildings. The Committee also reviewed a proposal for a technology purchase, specifically 28 HP ZBook x16 devices costing $35,818.16, funded by Technology Bond funds, intended to support the GLMS Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program, which will be forwarded to the full Board for approval. Furthermore, an update on the Starbase program at the Battle Creek Air Force Base was presented, noting its offerings in STEAM education, though it does not address existing STEM curriculum gaps.