As part of the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) from the CARES Act, Maries County R-2 schools requested and received approval to install commercial fans — from the company Big Ass Fans — in two of the district’s three buildings.

“We’ve only spent from the CARES Act about $3,000 from Maries County R-2,” Basham said. “So this will be the only other expenditure that we have requested.”

The district began pursuing the purchase of the commercial-grade fans after seeing them in New Haven during a sporting event.

“It’s approved for the public health through the CARES Act,” Basham said. “That’s why we can have them, because of the air circulation.”

They asked approval from the Maries County Commissioners to purchase and be reimbursed for the fans to have one in the cafeteria at the elementary school, two in the big gym, and one in the small gym at the high school. Commissioners approved the nearly $8,000 reimbursement for their purchase.

“We chose areas where here we would use them for public events inside our facilities,” Basham said. “We have had games, but have not at this point rented out the cafeteria. Archery and basketball teams use the little gym.”

The district is trying hard to make sure they are using the CARES Act funds to promote public health.

“It runs out in December,” Basham said, adding that fans would not be installed at the Bland Middle School campus. “My understanding is Gasconade County has already given out all of their funds. It’s for the whole county and I am assuming there are some COVID issues in Gasconade County.”

Other entities in Gasconade County include Gasconade Manor Nursing Home, both Stonebridge Community nursing homes in Owensville and Hermann, as well as the Hermann Area Hospital.

“We have ordered them and they are supposed to be here in three to six weeks,” Basham said. “We are working on local installation bids.”

The fans will be installed with the logo Big Fans instead of the company’s trade name, as the school does not allow profanity.

“Bids were requested from three companies, only one company would come and do a quote for our facilities,” Basham said. “Tony (Gieck) and I met with the company and did a walk-through to look at installation costs. This project will have a zero cost to the district.”

Basham presented her request for the fan project to board members during the Oct. 27 meeting. Director Tom Kinsey asked what would happen if the students damaged the fans.

“What are we going to do if kids throw balls at the fans?” Kinsey asked.

Basham explained they are commercial-blade fans with a 16-foot span. The smaller gym at the high school will need slight modifications for the fan to be installed since the trusses are wood and will need to be made of steel.

Director Amy Kiso made a motion to approve the fan project and Director Garret Bialczyk seconded, the motion passed with a 4-0 vote.