The Thief River Falls Board of Education met in special session Monday night and then adjourned for a Board Retreat.

The Board approved a recommendation to accept the low bid of $1,325,000 from Midwest Mechanical for a project at Challenger Elementary School. Grounds and Building supervisor Carl Clark said two bids were received which was not unusual since the package consisted of highly specialized equipment that few companies are able to provide. Future bidding on other projects will involve local contractors.

The Board also heard a presentation on New Market Tax Credit. Mike Holheizer explained the credit was established by Congress to spur new or increased investments and real estate projects located in low income areas. Lincoln High School and the District Service Center qualify for those bids. NMTC attracts outside investors to invest and receive a tax credit against the Federal Government tax return. Attracting these new investors allows the district to use funds for projects and could reduce property tax levies.

The Board also reviewed plans for pick-up and drop off points at district schools and reviewed plans for parking lots. Based on a plan for Franklin Middle School, board members asked the architect to revisit his proposal for an alternate bus delivery area.