Lincolnview bd. looks at bond refunding

KELSEY CLEMONS/independent correspondent

The Lincolnview Local Board of Education met on Wednesday for its December meeting to recognize both students and staff and to discuss the possible refunding of district bond issues.

The board learned from Treasurer Troy Bowersock that interest rates are at a low point as it discussed possible refunding of bonds. This change would save an overall $1.7 million, as well as knock two years off repayment, with payments ending in 2031, rather than 2033. No action was taken at the meeting on the proposal.

The board recognized Kathy Thompson for her time serving with the district. Thompson was unable to attend the meeting, but Superintendent Jeff Snyder presented a plaque on her behalf. Thompson’s retirement date will be moved from May 2015 to December 31.

A new graduation requirement was discussed by the board. This would be a new column that would be based on a point system.

The Lincolnview Indoor Track Club for the 2014-2015 school year was approved by the board at no cost to the district. Also approved were Matt Langdon and Ben Cowan as unpaid volunteer assistant coaches through the winter sports season.

Several donations were accepted on the board’s behalf as follows: a $5,000 donation from the Lincolnview PTO to go towards an upgrade in the audio system in the Elementary Gym, and a $4,000 donation to go towards the music programs from the Oscar and Norma C. Feigert MEmorial Fund and Gaylord and Eliza Saltzgaber Music Fund of the Van Wert County Foundation. The board would like to thank the donors for their generosity. Superintendent Jeff Snyder says thanks by noting he really appreciates the community raising money.

Superintendent Jeff Snyder also reported of the success of the book fair. Compared to last year earning about $7,400, this year raised around $9,300. This $2,000 increase in income earned the school $5,599.66 in free books! Classrooms will also be undergoing trivia contests to earn them more books.

The board approved per the State of Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program the purchase of the following outdoor maintenance equipment: Deere & Company, $38,365.30 and Kennedy-Kuhn, $795.

The renewal of the Ohio School Boards Association memberships for the 2015 year were approved by the board as follows: OSBA membership, $2,951; Subscription to Briefcase, N/C (Electronic Copy); Subscription to School Management, $150 (Electronic Copy).

In other news, the board also:

• Gave recognition to the following students and directors for outstanding fall and winter performances: third- and fourth-grade students under director Jennifer Slusher; fifth-grade students under the direction of Stacie Korte; junior-senior high school choir students under Korte’s direction; and junior-senior high school band students under the direction of Anna Baker.
• Approved a contract with the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) for Strategic Planning services
• Approved the Senior Class of 2015 trip to Chicago, Illinois, on March 19-21, 2015, under advisor Kris Tow
• Approved an overnight competition for the wrestling team and coaches to the Van Buren Invitational at Van Buren on January 23-24, 2015, under the supervision of Head Coach Curtis Miller.

The next Lincolnview Local Board of Education meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, in the Neubrecht Lecture Hall.