LEWISTOWN - The Mifflin County School District looks to save about a half-million dollars after passage of a resolution Thursday to refinance a 2005 bond issue that was in excess of $10 million.
Brad Remig of PFM Associates told board members his firm was able to find even lower interest rates on the refinancing plan that he had originally reported to them during their July business meeting.
"At that time, it showed we could garner savings of $225,000 to maybe $300,000. We went ahead and proceeded and got a much better interest rate," Remig said. "So if you pass this resolution tonight, we're looking at $485,000 in savings, net. It will be $95,000 this year and $370,000 next year. This (savings) is coming about because of pure interest rate reduction."
Remig said his firm will reissue the bonds on Sept. 30, adding passage of the resolution will authorize his firm to re-issue the new bonds and submit the proper paperwork to the state.
Following Remig's presentation, the board voted 7-0 to approve the resolution. Board members Walter Harpster and John Traxler were not in attendance.
Following the resolution vote, the board called an executive session which consisted of three grievance hearings, resulting in the meeting not opening up to the public again until 9:35 p.m.
In other business, the board approved a proposal from McKissick Associates of Harrisburg, the company conducting the school district's feasibility plan, to conduct a GIS survey in conjunction with the study at an additional cost of $18,000. The GIS survey is designed to electronically map out the entire county so the board can take a more detailed look at transportation issues that may arise as a result of the study.
In conjunction with the new Indian Valley High School project, the board voted to approve awarding Eastern Industries the construction contract to complete the Cedar Street project at a cost of $338,985.82. The project will consist of roadwork and the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Cedar Street and Electric Avenue, located next to the Dunkin Donuts store.
Other agenda items that had yet to be voted on as of presstime included:
The resignation of Frances Lauver as a part-time cafeteria worker at the Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center, and for Lauver to be placed on the cafeteria substitute list for the 2010-11 school year.
The resignation of Linda Horning, administrative secretary at Indian Valley High School, effective Sept., 1 due to retirement.
The hiring of Seth Yearick as building leader at Highland Park Elementary School for the coming school year at a rate of $1,600.
A request to provide transportation services for the following parochial/private schools for the 2010-11 school year: Belleville Mennonite, Mifflin County Christian Academy, Beth-El Christian Day School, Sacred Heart School, Valley View Christian School and Stuckey Lane School.
A recommendation that Dr. M. Colleen McCusker be approved to provide mandated vision exams for life skill students for the coming school year at a cost of $12 per student.
A request by Mifflin County Communities That Care to conduct the Social Norms Campaign involving middle and high school students in its development. Last year, the group worked with the Tobacco Busters group at each high school after adults did the creating of the campaign. This year, they would like to get the students more involved in the "creation stage" rather than rubber stamp what the adults have come up with.
Approval of the following coordinators for the 2010-11 school year: Jennifer Macknair, language arts; John Haubrick, mathematics; and Barbara Wadkins, English as a second language.
Approval of the following substitute paraprofessionals for the 2010-11 school year: Lona Stuter, Donna Youtzy and Candace Wagner.
A recommendation to hire the following classroom aides effective Sept. 1: Glenda Wilson, four hours per day for the Learning Support Classroom at Indian Valley High School; and Tanja Fike, four hours per day for the Learning Support Classroom at Indian Valley High School.
A recommendation to accept the resignation of Daniel Smith as assistant girls soccer coach at Lewistown Area High School due to relocation.
A recommendation to hire the following coaches for the upcoming school year: At Indian Valley, Samuel Bray, head junior high boys basketball; Crystal Weaver, head junior high girls basketball; Jeremey Penepacker, assistant winter track; Marcia Cramer, assistant winter cheerleading; Travis Zook, head baseball; Lester Kyle, head tennis; William Shafranich, head junior high wrestling; Justin Shafranich, assistant junior high wrestling; Kyle Cramer, first assistant baseball; Aaron Bubb, junior varsity baseball; Robert Sealy, first assistant softball; Holly Harman, junior varsity softball; Courtney Bell, junior high field hockey; Lauren Shilling, assistant junior high field hockey; and Timothy Reeder, assistant volleyball.
At Lewistown, Mark Beck, head junior high boys basketball; James Fosselman, head junior high girls basketball; David Wray, assistant junior high wrestling; Douglas DeArment, tennis; Janae Smith, assistant girls soccer; Keith Yoder, first assistant baseball; Travis Mattern, junior varsity baseball; Karen Yohn, assistant junior high field hockey; Nathan Barnhart, first assistant softball; Larry Treaster, junior varsity softball; and Tera Neideigh, junior high softball.
A recommendation to approve the following volunteer coaches for the upcoming year: At Indian Valley, Craig Ganoe, volleyball; Michael Maxwell, baseball; Chelsea Donaldson, cheerleading; Jessica Morris, cheerleading; Scot Sechler, football; and Erica Weaver, volleyball.
At Lewistown, Todd Peters, boys soccer; Nathan Barnhart, golf; L. Dale Searer, William Snook, Harvey Smith, Seth Napikoski, football; Chad Snook, football; Jessica Smith, volleyball; Lindsey Whitsel, cheerleading; John Hilton, boys basketball; Joseph Stewart, boys basketball; Andrea Snook, girls soccer; and Joab Carter, girls soccer.
A recommendation to allow the Lewistown High School Marching Band to attend the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championship Series November 7 in Hershey.
A recommendation to hire Heidi Welham as assistant principal at Indian Valley Middle School.
A recommendation to recall Todd Peters from the furlough list to teach math at Strodes Mills Middle School.
