Summary+of+SB+Meeting+on+May+7,+2012

**Summary of School Board Meeting** **May 7, 2012** After opening procedures, three administrators from K – 3, middle, and high schools briefly shared recent and upcoming school events and field trips. A special five-day school trip was mentioned. On June 21, 2012, qualified students and an advisor will travel to Nashville to the National Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference. Then the school board voted initial approval for new science textbooks for grades K – 9.

The main portion of the meeting was spent on the refinancing of the district’s AA bonds of 1.28 million in order to lower the district’s debts. Refinance representative David Twaddle gave pertinent information about how good the district’s credit rating is. The good rating is based upon the growth rate of the district as well as the taxpayer base. He reported that it had been initially estimated that refinancing would save the district $372,000, but by the end of the 15-minute bidding period, the savings had increased to $541,000. This increase in savings was due in part to the current low interest rates, which have worked in the district’s favor. The district may choose to refinance once again at the end of the year if interest rates remain low. The board voted to approve these financial measures.

Some other items approved were the resale of used computers to Computer Wholesalers, Inc. for $354,000, the extension of a teacher’s maternity leave, two long-term substitutes, and a retirement. Superintendent Leah Christman made special mention of three language teachers, two Chinese and one Arabic, who will teach critical languages for the 2012-13 school years. These teachers are part of a special two-year language program; the district plans to petition for an extension of this successful program.

At this point, the board president planned to close the meeting and asked if anything else needed their attention. I introduced myself as an instructional technology intern from DeSales University and thanked the district for the opportunity to work with Ken Jordan. I mentioned that the internship would officially begin on May 14 and end on July 2, 2012 (See the files for SB Meeting Agenda and Minutes on the top of the page.)The board members then voted to adjourn the meeting.

**Reflection** This project fulfills the requirements for
 * I.C. Management and administration of technology programs at the building, district, and regional levels including:**
 * **Planning and utilization of facilities including budgeting, accounting, and program reporting, grantsmanship, personnel administration, and staff development**

This activity fulfills PDE requirements by experiencing budgeting and accounting procedures to lower the district’s debt. The bid to lower the district’s debt had been successful because national interest rates are low and the district has a good credit rating. It was informative to learn about the bidding process to lower the school’s debt. Seven bids from across the country came in. By the time the 15 minutes bidding period ended, the debt was lessened by $541,432.12. The lowest bidder was Raymond James & Associates, Inc. of New York City.

In addition, the board voted initial approval of new science textbooks for grades K- 9. Although the Technology Director had previously shared with me the district’s interest in e-textbooks, they are not yet ready for adoption. A one-to-one student to computer ratio needs to be in place before this can occur.