WHITEHALL — The Whitehall School Board unanimously approved an authorization for the district to issue a bond "refunding" during its regular meeting Monday, Oct. 19.
The refunding, according to the resolution, is similar to the refinancing of a home mortgage. Huntington Capital informed the district last month that such a move could save the district 3.45% on the repayment of the bonds, or an estimated $498,000. The board will work with the company to ensure the savings are still possible before moving forward, with finalization of the refunding taking place early next year if savings are found.
Superintendent CJ Van Wieren said it's the first time he and district business manager Tayler Zweigle have dealt with this process and that ultimately, the refunding is about getting district taxpayers the best value possible for the bond.
The board also unanimously approved a $24,363 purchase of 10 Wegner brand three-step choral risers and a side rail kit for the high school choir room. Van Wieren said the current risers are over 20 years old and are falling apart. Some of the old risers may be able to be refurbished in the school's trades classroom and used in the middle school choir room.
The district also received its annual audit review from Brickley DeLong, which produced a clean audit. The district ended last school year with a $22,000 surplus, which was added to the general fund. The fund balance is reportedly about $6.9 million.
The high school FFA presented an overview of its activities over the past year and a preview of this year's events. Teacher and group advisor Nick Verbanic expressed his pride at what the chapter has accomplished in its short history and noted that thanks to a significant grant, the high school will soon add a greenhouse that will aid in FFA activities.
