Projected enrollment for the Gasconade County R-2 School District has increased slightly over last year, according to data provided by Superintendent Dr. Jeri Kay Hardy.

“The projected enrollment for K-12 is 1,732 and last year the projected enrollment for K-12 was 1,726,” Hardy wrote in her July 30 report to directors of the R-2 Board of Education.

The largest growth numbers are in the district’s expanded preschool program.

“Preschool enrollment is projected at 114 and last year we began at 78 and ended at 92 students,” Hardy reported.

The largest class this year is eighth grade with 153 students, closely followed by tenth grade with 149 students and eleventh grade with 144 students.

Also during the July board meeting, the following bids were approved:

• McConnell and Associates asphalt, seal, and repair were approved for $40,063 with a 7-0 vote;

• Bus bids from Midwest Transit in the amount not exceeding $148,756 for a 71-passenger vehicle and $151,891 for the lift 36-passenger bus with a 7-0 vote; and,

• A steamer and double oven bid for the Owensville Elementary School cafeteria from Care Sales, not exceeding $25,250, was approved with a 7-0 vote.

The board also approved the following changes:

• The Conflict of Interest/Code of Ethics Resolution as presented, a 7-0 vote;

• Faculty/Staff Handbook changes for classified and certified staff, 7-0 vote;

•Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) policy and procedure updates, 7-0 vote; and,

• Drug testing policy updates, 7-0 vote.

The following stipends were approved:

• TV Studio stipend was increased from five to six percent with a 7-0 vote;

• The Safety Coordinator received a three percent stipend with a 7-0 vote; and,

• Bus driver, town route pay, was increased from $49 an hour to $53 with a 7-0 vote.

Job description and position changes were approved:

• A job title change from Process Coordinator to Assistant Director of Special Services was approved with a 7-0 vote;

• The 21 Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) grant will need staff positions such as Project Director, OES Site Director, Gerald Elementary Site Director, and Owensville Middle School Site Director, a 7-0 vote.

Classes in the Gasconade County R-2 School District are scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 19, at the following revised starting times:

OHS: 8:15 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

OMS: 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

OES: 8:05 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

GES: 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.