Board approves $364,295 purchase of new transportation trailer; additional hookups estimated at $150,000

The Mehlville R-IX Board of Education voted April 10 to purchase a replacement transportation operations trailer to replace a unit in use since the late 1980s or early 1990s.

Transportation Director Dan Gilman told the board the existing trailer lacks bathrooms and running water and is physically deteriorating; seven full-time transportation staff work from the unit and currently must walk to another building to use restroom facilities. Gilman said the new trailer will provide water and restroom access, greater efficiency and options for later repurposing within the district.

The board approved a motion to purchase the trailer for $364,295; the meeting record shows the motion passed unanimously, "motion carries 7 0." Gilman and board members also discussed additional site work estimated at approximately $150,000 for electric, plumbing and IT connectivity; those costs will come as separate invoices and be funded from transportation/facilities budgets as they are incurred.

Gilman said the proposed trailer is roughly 70 by 28 feet (including hitch), an increase in length of about 10 feet and 4 feet wider than the current 60 by 24 footprint to accommodate restrooms and updated floor reinforcement. The district plans installation and hookup before the start of the school year to minimize operational disruption; the work timeline discussed targeted mid- to late-July for installation and transition.

Ending: The purchase is the first planned step while the district continues long-term planning for a new transportation facility and garage; the trailer will be used immediately and may be repurposed for training or other district needs as facility work proceeds.