March brings new changes for the Twin Rivers School Board as long-time board members Jeff Arnold and Billy Watson attended their final board meeting Thursday.
Watson said he would like to extend his appreciation to those who helped him keep his seat on the school board for the past nine years.
Board member Josh Johnson is also up for re-election and has filed for the April 4 election. Brandon Vancil has filed to run for one of the vacant seats. Only two candidates have filed to run for the three open seats.
Previous business addressed during the meeting was the discussion of the construction of a concession stand for the school’s Booster Club, bids were being considered from R.L. Persons Construction, Inc. and Turn Key Contractors, both out of Poplar Bluff.
R.L. Persons Inc., submitted a bid for $139,999, while Turn Key Contractors submitted a very detailed bid, according to board discussion, which came in under R.L. Persons’ bid by $5,199. Board members voted unanimously to accept the bid from Turn Key Contractors for the project.
Further discussion of the installation of security cameras was tabled during the meeting.
The board discussed applying for a school safety grant, which according to Superintendent Rob Brown, would award the district up to another $150,000 that could cover the cost of cameras and installation as school safety equipment. This would allow the school to allot remaining ESSER funds, the federal funds disbursed to schools to assist during the pandemic, for other capital projects being considered, including a possible expansion of the junior high, he said.
A survey was sent out regarding the possible expansion to 127 school staff members. Of the 127 surveyed, 94 were returned with the majority giving positive feedback on the expansion, which would consist of adding a wing to the current high school building, according to Brown.
Also discussed was the possibility of a new Missouri bill to allow the enrollment of non-resident students to public schools.
“House bill 253 did pass the House,” said Brown. “A district would choose whether or not they participate in open enrollment, but you cannot keep your current students from wanting to go to Puxico, Dexter, Poplar Bluff, whatever the case may be.”
Previously, Brown stated concerns about the new legislation, which the board agreed with and they unanimously voted to adopt a resolution allowing the school to opt in or out once a final decision has been made in the House.
“You can take as many students without forcing you to add staff, salary or added provisions and transfer students would also be ineligible to take part in sporting activities for a total of 365 days,” if the school chooses to take part in the legislation, Brown explained.
He went on to say he was sure it would be a topic of conversation at the April superintendents’ meeting and he thought there was a strong likelihood the measure would pass.
The next scheduled meeting for the Twin Rivers School Board will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 17.