FASTfacts - July 22, 2025 (Vol. 21, Issue 02)

Thumbs Up for $1 Million Deal for PE Supplies, Uniforms, and More

School Board members approved purchasing athletic, physical education supplies, and team uniforms for just over $1 million from BSN Sports, LLC, of Farmers Branch, Texas. 

This purchase allows items to be purchased for warehouse stock and then distributed to individual schools on an as-needed basis. The deal also includes approximately 42 sets of new outdoor aluminum bleachers and 16 basketball/volleyball/wrestling scoreboards, shot timers, and associated radio receivers to upgrade sporting venues. 

The three-year contract, which runs through May 31, 2028, allows two additional one-year renewals. Using the Omnia Partners Contract system, the district can purchase discounted supplies including physical education uniforms eventually used and paid for by students. 

Ten companies submitted bids, with five evaluated as able to provide products and services outlined in the solicitation while offering competitive pricing. 

Maintenance Items Purchased in Large Quantities

While most people spend around $25-$100 for a vehicle oil change, or a few thousand dollars for new flooring, MCPS purchases in large quantities that usually come with larger price tags. 

Take these latest purchase requests approved by School Board members tonight with a 4-1 vote just in time for the coming school year:

• Two-way radios - $100K that pays for radio equipment for use in schools, departments, and vehicles throughout the district;
• Engine oil, lubricants, and other automotive fluids - $134,507 to maintain school buses and automotive fleet; and 
• Carpet and vinyl flooring - $1.2 million for supplies and installation in multiple area of the district including student classrooms and offices.

Another Round of ESE Service Contracts Approved

Following similar actions from their last few meetings, School Board members approved several contracts for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) service providers for the coming school year.

This latest round totaling $288,699 included:  

• Cardinal Language Services LLC - $70,940
• Invo Healthcare Associates LLC - $96,642
• Hernandez Interpreting LLC - $50,177
• New Day Language Services LLC - $70,940

These entities provide a myriad of specialized services including physical therapies and sign language interpreters for students involved in ESE programs. Doing so enables the district to comply with Individualized Education Plans and, more importantly, helps students with disabilities succeed academically by developing skills that reduce the barriers to learning, enhance their quality of life, and help them meet their educational goals. 

Howard Middle Student Alias Javelona (center) tied for 100th place in the entire country in this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee. Board members and Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer formally recognized Javelona after he shared his inspiration to start tonight's meeting.