School board gives garage door bid to local business

One local businessman benefited from a decision made by the Newton Community School Board of Education at Monday’s meeting.

Gary Ryther, owner of Newton-based Rent-A-Shed, Inc., won the bid to replace the garage doors at the district’s bus depot, 1320 First Ave. W. Ryhter’s bid of $14,940 was $120 higher than the second place bid, however, many board members felt that amount was small enough that it was worth it to shop local.

“I like the fact that we are using someone local. They pay taxes into the district. I’ve had one or two business owners say they wish we as a board would look at local businesses a lot closer and I think this is a good step in that direction,” said board vice-president Bill Perrenoud.

Curt Roorda, NCSD transportation supervisor, said the depot’s current doors have been in place since 1998 or 1999, and they are rotting away on the inside from water damage. He said two of the damaged doors are becoming a safety issue for his employees.

District Business Manager Gayle Isaac supported the choice of Ryther, and emphasized his prior work experience with the depot’s doors.

Purchasing from more local businesses as long as it’s within reason could become more of an option, said Sheri Benson, board president.

In total, Ryther will replace six doors, that are 3 inches thick, 12-feet high and 12 feet and 2 inches wide.

Roorda was also on the agenda to explain a transportation request from the Prairie City-Monroe School District. PCM is requesting to use a gravel road that falls in the southwest portion of the Newton district boundaries for student transportation purposes.

The board approved this request, and made it clear that PCM would not be picking up any Newton students and that similar agreements are in place with the Baxter Community Schools and East Marshall Community Schools.

In other business, the board appointed Benson to be its representative at the 69th Annual Iowa Association of School Board Convention on Nov. 19. The board also decided not to offer the early retirement incentive during the current school year; and Isaac mentioned that the district was recently reimbursed $26,849 for insurance premium costs.

Superintendent Bob Callaghan also gave an evaluation on his progress toward the goals the board set for him at the beginning of the school year.

While it wasn’t on the agenda, Callaghan asked the board to schedule a work session to discuss the Berg Complex and property purchase. The board agreed to set a work session for 7 p.m. on Oct. 21.

Contact Senior Staff Writer Ty Rushing at (641) 792-3121 Ext. 6532 or trushing@newtondailynews.com