shirleyNANNEY
Editor
Huntingdon Special School District School Board members passed a bond resolution for $3,125,000 at the Sept. 21 meeting that will finance upcoming building projects. The debt will be paid over a 20-year period.
Scott Gibson, Senior Vice-President of Cumberland Securities, said the last time the school district did a refinancing was 2013 for the primary school gym.
“This district has always been able to repay at least $500,000 a year on debt,” said Dr. Jonathan Kee, Director of Schools.
The new debt will likely be used to fund the primary school cafeteria/classrooms, and roof, middle school roof and any other potential capital projects that are pursued.
“The quicker the school district can get moving on this, the better due to the 4 percent interest rate now,” said school board chairman Dr. Scott Carter.
Two other representatives were present concerning building updates.
Jim Atkins, a representative of Lashlee-Rich, Inc. was present at the meeting concerning the replacement of the roof at the primary school. Four bids were submitted with Strickland Roofing of Jackson awarded the bid for $570,000. An amount of $721,965 was had been allowed for the roof replacement.
Atkins said the roof could be finished before Christmas.
A resolution proposed by Jim Crone with Trane was passed concerning the obtaining of financing through the TN Energy Efficient Schools Initiative for the conversion of interior and exterior lighting to LED. The cost is $491,389 The conversion process will begin in late fall. Dr. Kee said the project would self fund itself.
Scott Carter, Supervisor of Technology, gave an update on what is going on in the school district regarding technology.
He said the system is getting new phones and that he is currently working on a new Web Site. Parents will be able to see their child’s grades and attendance records in grades 4 – 12through Parent Portal.
The school district has applied for 150 chrome books through a fully funded $578,000 grant, according to Carter.
“I think we can get four years out of these,” he said. “I am excited about the chrome books.”
A mobile app (Beta version) is a way for notifying and linking everything together. Anyone can get on it.
Dr. Kee complimented Carter for doing a great job.
In other business school board members:
• Were informed by Dr. Kee that as a part of the U-trust Employee Appreciation Program, custodians will be recognized and shown appreciation on Oct. 20 for all they do for the school system.
• Set high school graduation for Saturday, May 13 at 6 p .m. on the football field. The backup date is May 14 at 6 p.m. The gym will be set up in case inclement weather prevents it from being on the outside.
• Selected John Whitworth of Whitworth Law Firm of Camden as school board attorney. He will succeed attorney Michael King who was elected Carroll County General Sessions judge. Chuck Cagle of Nashville will represent the school system in more specific educational issues.
• Passed the Credit Recovery Policy It says that students passing credit recovery shall receive a grade of sixty percent under the state uniform grading system.
• Passed a policy that moves school board meetings from third Tuesday in each month to the third Wednesday in each month at 5 p.m.
• Selected board officers who are Dr. Lee Carter, chairman; Brittany Foster, vice chairman; and Morgan Butler, secretary.
• Set the next board meeting at 5 p.m. Oct. 19.
