BCSC school board members approved the purchase of two portable classrooms sets for use at Schmitt Elementary School.
The board approved an expenditure of $303,408 for the two portable units, which will provide four classrooms “of much needed space to alleviate enrollment concerns at Schmitt Elementary,” Brett Boezeman, assistant superintendent for finance and operations said in a memo to school board members.
“The portable classrooms will be used at another school during future renovation in upcoming Envision 2030 phases,” the memo continues.
BCSC got quotes from six vendors and found that one from United Rentals was the lowest cost. The purchase will be made using bond premiums from $44.1 million in rental lease bonds, which board members approved in July as part of the Envision 2030 facilities plan.
Board Member Logan Schulz, District 6, said he was thankful for the purchase after hearing concerns from constituents when the gym at Parkside was converted into a temporary classroom during renovations a couple of years ago.
“I know one of the big concerns I got at Parkside, was protecting the gym space as much as we can,” he said.
Board Member Jason Major, District 1, wondered what the cost difference was to rent the portable classrooms versus purchasing them.
“We’re still making those decisions on if it’s best to rent or buy— we’re chasing a few things down this week and we’ll certainly update you,” Boezeman said. “But we do want to act in short order, that’s the reason we want to bring this to you for your permission tonight versus wait another month for the next board meeting.”
“Depending on the model, it’s about a break-even in about three-and-a-half years, lease versus purchase,” he continued.
There is a rather substantial cost associated with set up and tear down, along with other things like getting the portable classrooms hooked up to fire alarms and PA systems, Boezeman said.
“The immediate concern at Schmitt, as Dr. (Chad) Phillips mentioned, is an increased enrollment that keeps trending up. This is a remedy in the here and now for Schmitt,” said Boezeman.
