By re-structuring bonds used for the construction of the new school campus, the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District has realized a sizeable savings.
During Monday night's regular monthly board of education meeting, Treasurer Cheryl Pritts presented the five-member panel, plus Superintendent Ted Downing, with a check for $437,123.69.
"We have re-financed our bonds," board member Roger Stewart explained. "I was a member of this board, in another capacity, a long time ago and this board has always had the citizens of this district in mind. They've always been appreciative of what the residents have done to support their school."
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T-L Photo/KIM NORTH
BY RE-FINANCING bonds, the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District has realized a huge savings. Posing during Monday night’s board meeting with a mock check in the amount of the savings are, from left, board of education members Bill Talik, Jodi Harkness, Roger Stewart, Jerry Moore, treasurer Cheryl Pritts, board of education president Don Cash and district Superintendent Ted Downing.
Stewart said the last 20 years has been a prime example.
"With this re-financing of the bonds, this is almost a half-million dollars," Stewart noted. "We don't get that back in a check, but the (Belmont County) auditor will take less money out to help pay those bonds off."
He said the current bonds expire in July of 2031.
"This board is very concerned about any money that comes into the district," Stewart added. "I think we've been very frugal with things that we've done."
Downing said that the total the board has given back to the project is $1.8 million.
IN other action, the board unanimously approved Maintenance Director/Supervisor Ed Minor to order materials to install a new roof on the fieldhouse at Bill Jobko Stadium.
"We decided to let our staff do it," Downing said. "Ed will purchase the materials and he and his staff will complete the work."
Instead of going with a rubber surface, the board opted for a metal roof.
The five-member panel also unanimously agreed to purchase a machine that will make identification badges for all district employees.
"Every member of our staff will wear an ID badge at all times while they are on district property," Downing explained. "God forbid that something like what happened at Chardon High School, but if it did occur, then police arriving on the scene would be able to determine who is a district employee and who isn't.
"This is another one of our safety precautions that we hope to never use," he added.
In personnel matters, the board unanimously voted to hire the following individuals:
The next monthly meeting will be held July 31 at 7 p.m. A work session will precede it at 5.
North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com
