AAPS OKs Projectors, Amplifiers

The Ann Arbor Public School trustees have approved a district-wide replacement of classroom projectors, approximately 200 sound amplification systems, and supporting electrical equipment. The vote came at their March 13, 2013 meeting.

A request for bids on the project went out on Jan. 10, 2013. Bids were received and publicly opened on Feb. 5, 2013. After various companies were interviewed by the district’s technology bond professional team, the team recommended the following contract awards: Great Lakes Power and Lighting ($393,000 for electrical work); The Professional Group ($1,879,619 for audiovisual equipment); and to AVI-SPL ($183,168 for the sound amplification systems).

Brief discussion centered around the business practices of Great Lakes Power and Lighting after some complaints were brought up during public commentary at the Feb. 27, 2013 meeting.

The board voted on the contract at its March 13, 2013 meeting. The trustees were initially briefed on the item at the Feb. 27, 2013 meeting. Susan Baskett and Simone Lightfoot dissented.

This brief was filed from the board room of the Ann Arbor District Library in downtown Ann Arbor at Fifth and William. A more detailed report of the meeting will follow.