BELLE — Although electrical delays have slowed construction of the district’s new Early Childhood Center, Maries County R-2 officials said they remain committed to opening classes on time for the start of the school year, although some parts of the building may still need finishing touches.

The Early Childhood Center discussion was held during the Board of Education’s July 28 meeting, with Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham and contractor Wade Guffey updating board members on the project’s progress following a tour of the middle school campus.

Guffey said nearly all interior work has been completed, including walls, ceilings and fixtures, while plumbing work was expected to wrap up around the first week of August. Flooring, doors and final cleanup remained, with classrooms scheduled to be cleaned the weekend before school begins. Basham said they are paying an outside company for the final clean.

The largest remaining obstacle is connecting the building to electrical service, and finishing touches on the interior.

Guffey told the board Ameren engineers had been on site earlier that day (July 28) and he expected an update soon. He said the electrical delay has persisted since March but that the utility indicated a transformer was available. Until permanent power is connected, contractors have been using temporary equipment to keep the building dry and protect interior finishes from humidity.

Basham told board members the district intends to begin school as scheduled regardless of the electrical delay.

“We will start regardless,” Basham said, explaining that teachers and families depend on the Early Childhood Center being available. She added that if necessary, the district would temporarily utilize another location, such as a church, until the building is ready.

Basham also said all Early Childhood classroom materials have already been packed into a box truck at the elementary school in preparation for the move.

Board members learned one doorway opening was redesigned to be wider to allow classroom furniture and desks to be moved into the building.

Guffey said his goal is to have the facility 100 percent complete when school begins. Basham described the new center as “a spacious, beautiful place for our kiddos,” adding many people do not realize how large the classrooms are.

In other business, the board approved several annual items in preparation for the 2026-27 school year, with each measure receiving unanimous 5-0 approval.

Board members approved the district’s Literacy Plan, Assessment Plan and Professional Development Plan, all of which require annual approval under state requirements.

The board also approved annual purchasing contracts.

MFA of Owensville submitted the low propane bid at $1.389 per gallon and received the contract. Three Rivers bid $1.499 per gallon, while AA Propane of California bid $1.539 per gallon. Capital Energy of Belle did not submit a bid.

Havener’s received the district’s pest control contract at $628.20 per month, including mice control, after being the only company to submit a bid.

The board approved bread purchases from Kohl Wholesale, the only bidder, at $2.81 for a 24-ounce loaf of whole grain bread, $2.15 for eight-count hamburger buns and $2.19 for eight-count hot dog buns.

Hiland Dairy also received the district’s milk contract as the area’s only bidder. Prices approved included .5060 for a half-pint of whole milk, .4910 cents for 2 percent milk, .5210 cents for whole chocolate milk and .5060 for 2 percent chocolate milk.

During discussion of the annual beef purchase, Food Service Director Becky Willis recommended continuing to purchase locally processed beef, explaining the district primarily uses ground beef because it is the simplest product to prepare while meeting federal school meal requirements. It’s estimated the district uses about 1,000 pounds of beef annually and purchasing locally allows the district to know where its food originates.

The board maintained the district’s annual tuition rate for nonresident students at $6,260.57 for the 2026-27 school year. Basham noted no students currently pay tuition to attend the district.

Board members also approved the district’s federal program coordinators for the coming school year, appointing Amanda Seaver as homeless coordinator, Kaci Jones as migrant coordinator, Bobbi Robertson as foster coordinator and Basham as English language arts coordinator.

The board scheduled its annual tax rate hearing for 6:55 p.m. Aug. 25, immediately preceding the next regular board meeting.

In other business, the board accepted a $30 bid for two surplus basketball backboards. Members also noted that a surplus 2005 Freightliner school bus remains listed for sale through GovDeals.

The board reviewed the district’s Student Handbooks with Basham, reporting there were no Missouri State High School Activities Association rule changes requiring revisions.

The next regular meeting of the Maries County R-2 Board of Education is scheduled for 7 p.m., Aug. 25, at the Administration Building.