GISD revises purchase amount required for board approval

Following a recommendation by the Texas Association of School Boards, Graham ISD approved a local policy change increasing the amount required for board approval for goods and services.

GISD conducted a local board policy review May 1-2 from TASB’s Policy Service where administrators met with a TASB consultant to review and align policies. The policy changes were presented to the GISD board Wednesday, Aug. 6 and approved Tuesday, Aug. 12.

One of the approved revisions was regarding the local code for purchasing and acquisitions. The board delegates the superintendent to make budgeting purposes for goods or services, but that authority is limited based on the amount of those goods or services.

Under the previous code, any single, budget purchase of goods or services that cost $25,000 required GISD board approval before a transaction may take place. The approved change will move that amount from $25,000 to $50,000.  

“It modifies CH Local, the suggested modification requires board approval for goods and services, adjusting that threshold from $25,000 to $50,000,” Chief of Student Services Joe Gordy said Aug. 12. “Really, that’s a TASB recommendation just due to inflationary cost. …If we have an air conditioner go out that comes in at $27,000, we need to be able to take action, not wait for the next posted board meeting.”

Additionally, policy CV Local was adjusted which relates to facilities construction for the district. In that policy, construction contracts valued at or above $50,000 the superintendent will also submit the contract to the board for approval. This was increased from $25,000 previously.

“Lesser expenditures for construction and construction-related materials or service shall be at the discretion of the superintendent and consistent with law and policy,” the policy revision states.

The board will delegate the superintendent the authority to determine, prior to advertising, the project delivery or contract award method to be used for each construction contract valued above $50,000. 

According to the local policy, the superintendent is required to keep the board informed of construction projects and provide information to the general public.

“The district shall not make final payment for construction or the supervision of construction until the work has been completed and the board has accepted the work,” the policy revision states.

In the event of a “catastrophe, emergency, or natural disaster” impacting the district, the board can delegate the superintendent the authority to contract for the replacement, construction or repair as necessary for the health and safety of the district’s students and staff.

Purchases made in this manner would have to be reported to the GISD board at the next regular meeting.

The GISD Board of Trustees approved the TASB revisions during the Aug. 12 meeting, with the exception of a recommendation to lower the public comment period from five minutes to three minutes.