Watertown School Board Approves LATC Nursing Simulators, Cessna Purchase and Equipment Leases

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board on Monday approved a series of property‑related items presented by Cam Corey, Vice President of Lake Area Technical College. The actions included acceptance of bids for new nursing patient simulators, purchase of a training aircraft, approval of an aviation lease, and authorization of multiple no‑cost equipment leases.

Adult and Pediatric Nursing Simulators Approved

Corey requested authority to accept two bids for new nursing simulation equipment:

·         Lertal Medical Corporation — Adult nursing simulator, $134,704.39

·         Gomard Scientific — Pediatric nursing simulator, $74,196.98

Corey noted that the timing aligned with Healthcare Simulation Week, adding,

“I’d like to give a shout‑out to our staff that work in our healthcare simulation center. They do a fantastic job.”

The equipment will be funded through FY 2027 Perkins allocations and South Dakota Equipment Funds.

The motion to accept the bids was made by Jean Moulton, seconded by Kari Lohr, and passed unanimously.

Board Approves Purchase of 1965 Cessna 172

Corey next requested approval to purchase a 1965 Cessna Skyhawk 172 from a private seller for $93,000.

He told the board the aircraft had been inspected by LATC’s professional pilot program supervisor and aviation mechanic, and that funds from the sale of a previous airplane would cover the cost. The purchase was budgeted up to $125,000.

Board members asked how the aircraft would be transported to Watertown. Corey explained:

“We’ll determine if we fly out there with two and fly it back, or if we take a commercial flight out there and fly it back, or if we ship it. We’ll see what the cheapest is.”

The motion to approve was made by Kari Lohr, seconded by Jean Moulton, and passed unanimously.

New Aviation Lease Approved

Corey requested approval of a lease agreement with Elevated Aviation Services, LLC for a Cessna 172 at $60 per hour, replacing a previous vendor.

The motion was made by Jean Moulton, seconded by Kari Lohr, and passed without opposition.

Heavy Equipment Program Receives No‑Cost and Low‑Cost Leases

Corey concluded with a request to approve 15 equipment lease agreements for the Heavy Equipment Operator program:

·         Five leases from Stan Houston

·         Ten leases from Transource

All agreements are either no‑cost or low‑cost, providing essential machinery for student training.

The motion was made by Kari Lohr, seconded by Jean Moulton, and passed unanimously.

Additional Notes

·         Board members were reminded that the Northeast Technical High School Board meets Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.