Romulus Community Schools trustees on Nov. 11 approved a contract with Betterty, an online auction vendor, to dispose of surplus district property, but amended the motion to remove 21 sewing machines from the sale after trustees raised inventory and program concerns.

Director of Operations Jason Perkins told the board the auction list reflected older, unused items and that newly ordered equipment had replaced items ruined in a prior flood. Trustee questions centered on whether the sewing machines were purchased for MetaLab — a former in-school maker/entrepreneurship program — and whether an inventory of MetaLab materials and school-store finished goods exists. Perkins said he had not included items from Merriman in the current auction and that he had not previously auctioned surplus since taking the role.

Trustees asked administrators to exclude the sewing machines pending confirmation of ownership and to consider after-school or community-led programming that could make use of the equipment. One trustee described past student entrepreneurship projects that used the district’s sewing equipment and urged the board to consider supervised programming rather than immediate disposal.

After the board amended the motion to remove the 21 sewing machines, the board approved the auction agreement as amended. Trustees and administrators said the auction proceeds could be used to offset department needs, including vehicle replacements and equipment repairs.

The motion to approve the amended auction agreement was moved and seconded on the record and carried by voice/roll-call vote.