TCU to provide transportation for MHR students during learning change

In a six-to-one vote, the Tri-City United School Board approved providing transportation for Most Holy Redeemer students while students of TCU are in distance learning mode.

The decision was not made lightly, and board members expressed that many hours of thought and consideration went into the matter, which came to a vote on November 25 in a special school board meeting.

Late last week, Father Thomas Niehaus, of Most Holy Redeemer Church, sent a letter to families of Most Holy Redeemer School to say that TCU would no longer be busing students beginning November 30.

“We need our parents to act now to advocate for our students at Most Holy Redeemer,” Niehaus wrote in the letter to student families, encouraging them to reach out to TCU board members.

This letter led to the TCU Board discussion on the topic Monday night during their regular work session, with a formal decision being made Wednesday night.

TCU School Board Member Kevin Huber made the motion, which included three caveats. One, that the Most Holy Redeemer student count remain the same as it is currently. Two, that this topic can be readdressed whenever, and as necessary. Three, that TCU’s superintendent and Palmer Bus have the authority to make the decision to call off busing due to inclement weather.

Board members Josh Beulke, Dale Buss, Marsha Franek, Krista Goettl, Ashley Rosival, and Huber were in favor of the motion. Michelle Borchardt was the lone vote not in favor of providing bus transportation for the Most Holy Redeemer students.

For more on the meeting, including information on the agreement between Holy Redeemer and the public school, and busing costs, pick up the December 3 Montgomery Messenger.