Tennis court repairs and the search for a new superintendent were the topics discussed by the Trenton R-9 Board of Education during a special meeting Thursday night.
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Tennis court repairs and the search for a new superintendent were the topics discussed by the Trenton R-9 Board of Education during a special meeting Thursday night.
Superintendent Harry Wheeler presented a proposal from Activities Director Ron Hurst, who has received an estimate of $80,000 to make repairs to the tennis courts located just west of the high school. The work would include milling the existing courts down to the base, then re-asphalting them. The asphalt would need between 60 to 90 days to cure before a finishing product would be placed on the surface to fill in any ?imperfections? caused by the asphalt during the process. It was noted the courts would have a one degree slope for drainage purposes.
Board President Dr. John Holcomb said that the tennis court repair is one of two projects endorsed by the Foundation Trust for Trenton High School to which donations can be made by alumni. It was noted that around $2,000 has already been received for the project through the foundation. Board member Cathy McKay said she has been working with the Rural Community Foundation to identify other possible sources of funding for the tennis court repair, but board members indicated that the tight budget facing the district would not allow for monies to be committed at this time. Board members agreed that something does need to be done to the courts and that they would do what they could to help in that effort.
A group of around 15 citizens, including several members of the high school girls tennis team, appeared at the meeting and offered their support in efforts to obtain funds to make the repairs possible. Sue Brewer presented information to the board concerning matching funds that are available through the United States Tennis Association.
The board discussed the process it will be following to replace Superintendent Wheeler, who announced earlier this year he plans to retire at the end of the 2002-2003 school year. Members have decided to conduct their own search initially, using a process similar to that used by the Missouri School Boards Association, which has assisted the R-9 District in the past. It was noted using the MSBA was done previously because of time factors, but that because Wheeler announced his intentions much earlier, board members feel they can do the search themselves and not be faced with paying a fee to another group for the work.
It was decided to set the application deadline for Oct. 15. Once applications are received, board members will review the documents to determine whether or not any of the applicants will be interviewed. Should the initial search be unsuccessful, the board indicated it would contact MSBA about assisting them. The board earlier this year said it would like to have a new superintendent on board before the end of December, which would be prior to the time most school districts in the state offer administrative contracts for the next school year.
Following the open meeting, an executive session was held for real estate and personnel. Wheeler said the board discussed the need to develop a plan should the state decide to cut funding to schools in the future. Wheeler noted the district does not anticipate losing any state funds, but will be looking at different scenarios and doing some prioritizing of programs and projects just in case.
The board also discussed efforts under way to locate a new facility for the district office, which is currently located at the airport in a building owned by the city of Trenton. While the city has indicated it has no immediate use for the building and does not plan to ask the district to move in the immediate future, Wheeler said the board is looking at trying to find another site that would fit its needs should a move be necessary.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13.