Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that nothing is happening in Rolla’s schools.
“Actually, this is the time of year I seem to be the busiest,” said Dr. Jerry Giger, superintendent. “This is the time we have to take care of the things that can’t be done when school is in session, like the renovations and construction projects.”

New carpeting and shelves in the Truman Elementary Library are among those projects that have to be taken care of during the summer.

The carpeting was finished this weekend by Floor Crafts. Owner Mitch Polmateer had no idea that he might have some major challenges come up when he put the bid in for this job.

Polmateer suffered a heart attack and had to have open-heart surgery May 22. He was strong enough to return home May 25 and was told he could supervise but under no circumstances was he to lift anything or even drive for several more weeks.

Polmateer was concerned that the job for Truman, which he had scheduled before his heart attack, would be done without delay.

Thanks to the help of Michael Shaffer, they accomplished their goal, and the library is now ready for the shelves to be put into place.

“If it hadn’t been for Michael, and my wife who helped drive me around and get things organized for me, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this,” Polmateer said. “I really didn’t want to disappoint the schools; I’m grateful to have such a good crew to work with,” he said.

The Truman Library is definitely not your ordinary school library.

“We know that students who read well will achieve more in school. Through expressive storytelling and the innovative use of technology, we attempt to instill a desire to read in Truman students,” said Wanda Hinshaw, librarian.

“With the installation of the new carpeting and shelves, we look forward to an even more inviting library for the future,” said Hinshaw.

Larry Moreland, Director of Buildings and Grounds, told the Rolla Daily News on Thursday that improvements were happening at several Rolla schools, besides flooring at Truman, a new parking lot is being built at the High school, the remainder of the roof is being completed at the high school, a new roof is going on the RTC building,

a new fire alarm system in the RTC building is being installed and new roof top heating and air-conditioning units are being installed on the RTI building. Those are just the things happening this week.

“Needless to say, my plate is pretty full right now,” said Moreland.