Gasconade County Republican

Otis Schult addresses the Gasconade County R-2 Board of Education Monday night seeking an explanation as to the widespread difference in purchasing of supplies throughout the district.
After a visit by a Gerald businessman to their regular monthly meeting Monday night, the Gasconade County R-2 Board of Directors will take a closer look at their purchases for maintenance items throughout the district.

Otis Schulte, Mayor of Gerald and owner of Gerald Home Center, addressed the R-2 Board Monday night seeking an explanation as to why the district has spent more money for maintenance and supply needs at other businesses in the district.

“For me, it’s just a matter of, from our purchasing effort, being fair to all businesses,” R-2 Superintendent Dr. Russ Brock said.

According to Brock, the district’s maintenance staff would be directed to purchase supplies at any of the Gerald businesses which stock hardware supplies when working on projects at Gerald Elementary School.

When higher priced items are needed, including those needing to be ordered or require a large volume of items, the district will follow its formal bids policy.

During the meeting, Brock said there has never been any “intent to ignore any businesses” but also agreed that R-2 staff may have developed “patterns of purchasing” over the years.

“It’s given us reason to look at our purchasing practices,” Brock said.