Columbus Municipal School District board of trustees declared a state of emergency for the district in wake of damage school buildings sustained during Saturday’s tornado.
Board Attorney David Dunn said by declaring an emergency, it eliminates any state purchasing mandates, such as bids for contractors, in repairing affected facilities, such as Columbus Success Academy (the old Hunt High School on 20th Street North). He added Superintendent Cherie Labat will have full authority to purchase commodities and services for the district during this time.
“Technically Dr. Labat could have acted on her own and then reported back to the board during the next regular board meeting,” Dunn said. “In an abundance of caution and feeling like we all need to be on the same page, we’re asking the board to declare the district in a state of emergency.”
Trustees unanimously approved the state of emergency during a special-call meeting this morning.
Dunn said, for example, if Labat finds any additional weather damage at other school buildings, this resolution allows her to fix those issues immediately to protect school property, rather than having to wait until the board can meet.
“It is just giving her fairly carte blanch authority, which is unusual in state purchasing laws situations,” Dunn said. “However, it’s an unusual situation that requires urgency.”
The resolution also mandates Labat provide the board a list of all purchases and contracts during its ensuing scheduled meeting.
Saturday’s storm caused extensive damage to the Success Academy — the tornado destroyed its roof, 12 classrooms and administrative offices. Labat said Stokes Beard and Sale elementaries could also have roof damage that has gone unnoticed.
“With the inclement weather, we are uncertain if we will have additional roof damage throughout the district,” Labat said. “We are praying we do not. Due to the those circumstances, I feel this resolution will be in the best interest to protect our assets.”
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