It is the policy of the Highline School Board to accept contracts in alignment with the districts strategic plan.  

The School Board delegates the acceptance of contracts to the Superintendent except as outlined in this policy. The Superintendent is designated to develop procedures to support this policy.

Approval of Contracts
All contracts for more than $250,000 initial value, excluding sales tax and contingencies, and changes or amendments of more than $250,000, excluding sales tax and contingencies, must be approved by the School Board. Changes and amendments which are for the same or similar services at the same time and same location, or continuation of existing activity shall be considered a single action for approval purposes.

Any amendment of at least $250,000 must be approved by the School Board. The School Board must be notified of any contracts that were initially under $250,000, but which, through changes, amendments or extensions reach at least $250,000.

This policy shall apply to all contracts, agreements, and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) over $250,000 where the district receives money, pays money, or commits time and/or resources, whether these are paid from general funds, capital projects fund, ASB funds, the transportation vehicle fund, or other sources.

This policy shall not apply to individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements. All new employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements or renewals of such contracts or agreements shall require School Board approval.

Emergency Contracts
State law permits purchases of materials, equipment and supplies and contracts for public works, without using sealed bids under certain circumstances. By statute, an "emergency" means unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the agency that either: (a) present a real, immediate threat to the proper performance of essential functions; or (b) will likely result in material loss or damage to property, bodily injury, or loss of life if immediate action is not taken.

It is the policy of the Highline School Board to contract in emergencies without sealed bids, in accordance with Board-adopted procedure and State law, and consistent with sound business practices. The district shall also promote fair competition in emergencies whenever practicable, and assure compliance with all legal and statutory requirements.

The Board delegates to the Superintendent all other authority and responsibility for contracts within the budgets approved by the Board. The Superintendent may delegate such authority as appropriate. The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures to implement this policy.

Legal Reference:
Advertising for bids-Competitive bid procedures-Purchases from inmate work programs-Telephone or written quotation solicitation, limitations-Emergencies - RCW 28A.335.190
Competitive Bidding Requirements- Exemptions - RCW 39.04.280

Management Resources:
Policy News - October 2005; June 2001

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: 10.14
Revised by the Board: 09.18, 02.20
Classification: Discretionary