The Trenton R-9 Board of Education approved a request for proposals for bids and grant requests at its meeting Tuesday evening.
The district requests bids to build a 40 by 40-foot single level building attached to the Trenton R-9 Maintenance Building. Proposals are due by November 8, and they will be presented at the November board of education meeting. Supportive Services Director Kris Ockenfels said the addition would be used for storage. He reported more storage space is needed due to the district officially selling and transferring property on Kumler Street. Ockenfels said he hopes the winning bid for the maintenance building addition will be $50,000 or less, so the district comes out ahead.
Superintendent Dan Wiebers reported the former industrial arts and band room sold for $53,000, which netted $49,279 for the district. He said the property transferred October 2nd.
The board approved of the GEC Community Foundation Grant request from third-grade teachers Heather Epperson and Pam Bowden for $802 with no match. The funds would be used to purchase supplies to enhance their science, technology, engineering, arts, and math programs.
Supportive Services Director Ockenfels reported the large oak tree to the west of the high school is dead and rotting. He said it needs to be removed for the safety of students, walkers, and drivers on Normal Street. Page’s Tree Service is expected to cut down the tree sometime after the Missouri Day Festival. Ockenfels said he will work with the Trenton Parks Department to replace the tree and plant several other trees around the walking trail.
Superintendent Wiebers shared that the district sent a letter to the Apple Bus corporate office expressing concern about student transportation services provided to the district. A conference call was also held explaining the district’s concerns. Wiebers said he feels Apple Bus is addressing the concerns and is satisfied with the attempts the company is making to improve the transportation system for students.
Wiebers presented the newest Missouri School Boards Association policy updates with action on the updates to be taken at the November meeting. Wiebers and President Doug Franklin attended the Missouri School Board Association annual meeting recently. Franklin said it was very beneficial. They both agreed that they would like to see as many board members as possible attend next year.
Special Services Director Tara Hoffman reported on the district’s special education program as well as assessment and testing. Two-hundred students are currently enrolled in the special education program. There are 39 total staff members and three contracted services.
It was announced that school will be dismissed early October 19th for parent/teacher conferences to be held. Rissler Elementary will hold pre-scheduled conferences with parents that afternoon and evening. Some teachers have made arrangements with parents on other nights for conferences as well. Trenton Middle School and High School will hold open house format conferences that afternoon and evening as well.
The school will not be in session October 20 or 23.
The board moved into a closed session.
