Two Rivers board approves multiple hires, $750,000 short-term borrowing and two new district vehicles

The Two Rivers Public School District board on May 16 approved a slate of personnel contracts, authorized short-term borrowing to cover near-term payroll needs and approved purchases for district transportation.

Personnel actions: The board accepted resignations from Grace Hubrick (grade 8 at LB Clark) and Emily Arenal (IT director) and approved hiring multiple candidates across the district, including special-education and classroom hires. Administrators presented candidate backgrounds and the board approved each contract by roll-call vote; several new teachers and specialists were welcomed to the district.

Short-term borrowing: To cover teacher payroll timing, the board authorized $750,000 in temporary borrowing to be repaid in September. The administration reported three bids were received; the recommended bidder was Robert W. Beard with a 5% coupon and a reported net interest cost of $2,184 (net effective rate ~4.83%). The motion carried on a roll-call vote.

Transportation purchases: The board approved acquiring two larger passenger vehicles (estimated total per-vehicle range $75,000–$100,000) to replace and supplement a 2010 Dodge Caravan used for student transportation and team travel. Administration said the purchases aim to reduce busing costs and increase district flexibility for transporting small teams without special licensing.

Other actions: The board approved April regular and referendum bills, March financial statements, and Policy 9150 (School visitors) on second reading. The board also accepted three donations totaling $600 to the Two Rivers Angel Fund ($500 from LDI Industries, $50 from Kip and Elizabeth Barren, $50 from the Red Hatters of Two Rivers). Trustees then moved to adjourn to closed session under the cited statute for employee matters.

Roll-call votes for the major tally items were recorded as unanimous among trustees present (Mr Peterson, Mrs Bentin, Mr Clinker, Mrs Hendrickson, Mr Shavick, Mr Williams, Mrs Brandt) on the listed motions.