(ALBUQUERQUE, NM.)- According to the OpGov.News platform, a significant discussion occurred regarding a $5.1 million contract for boiler services during the July 23 Albuquerque Public Schools (APS)Finance Committee meeting.
Photo Credit: YouTube/APS Board of Education
The platform added that the boiler services specifically addressed the district's challenge in hiring and retaining internal plumbers due to non-competitive salaries compared to external contractors.
APS board members Heather Benavidez, Gabirella Duran Blakey, Rebecca Betzen, and Courtney Jackson were present during the meeting on Zoom. Once again, the public didn’t engage with board members, and the platform didn’t capture comments.
Albuquerque Public Schools Chief Financial Officer, Rennette Apodaca, said the boiler services is a three-year contract, with capital and operational funds being used for the project.
Apodaca provided a clear explanation regarding the $5.1 million contract.
“This amount is an estimate; it doesn't constitute a guaranteed expenditure,” Apodaca said. “The actual expenditure is based on the needs of the district, availability of funds, and scope of services requested.”
Photo Credit: YouTube/APS Board of Education
Jackson asked how the capital and operational funds will be used. Apodaca said capital funds are used for big projects, while operational funds are used for maintenance.
OpGov.News also reported on finances for the upcoming school year regarding substitute teachers. According to the platform, the estimated expenditure for substitute teachers and education assistants is $25 million, more than last year’s spending of $22 million.
Apodaca said the expenditure comes from a request for proposal(rfp) issued by APS, and the awarded vendor is Kelly Services.
A proposed contract for restoration and preparation services for vendors was discussed. Apodoca said the contract is designed for four years and used for risk management.
The contract is estimated at $800,000.
Betzen was curious what vendors are called to handle situations like vandalism to a school.
“This is what’s really great about this contract; our procurement department was able to negotiate these rates,” Apodoca said. “They all have the same rates; what they did is they looked at the items they proposed and looked at the market value. They told the vendors this is the market value and this is what we’ll pay.”
Other items were presented during the meeting and swiftly approved by the board members.
The next Finance Committee meeting will take place virtually on August 27 at 3 p.m.
If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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