Watertown School Board Approves LATC Direct Purchase of $125,000 Airplane for Pilot Program

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board on Monday approved a request from Lake Area Technical College to directly purchase an airplane for its professional fixed‑wing pilot program after the college received no bids during last month’s formal bidding process.

Under Item 6.2.2 — Authority to Direct Purchase Airplane, LATC President Tiffany Sanderson explained that the aircraft is needed to support continued growth in the college’s aviation programs. The board previously granted permission to seek bids, but no vendors submitted proposals.

LATC said the aircraft purchase will be funded entirely through revenue generated from the sale of older planes no longer used in the program.

“Last month we asked for authority to go to bid for an airplane for the professional fixed‑wing pilot program, received no bids,” said Sanderson. “I’m seeking your approval to make a purchase. Our budget is $125,000, and the revenue for that plane came from the sale of some old aircraft that weren’t used any longer in the program.”

The board approved the direct‑purchase authority unanimously:

·         Motion: Kari Lohr

·         Second: Jean Moulton

No questions or objections were raised before the vote.

The purchase will support LATC’s rapidly expanding aviation offerings, which include aviation maintenance, professional pilot training, and uncrewed aerial systems.

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