Board adopts bond authority

HOPE – The Hope Public Schools Board adopted a resolution Monday which set the terms and conditions of its financing for the expansion of the Beryl Henry Elementary School campus at a savings of more than $800,000.\r\n

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Jason Holsclaw, vice president of public finance for Stephens, Inc., in Little Rock, presented a memorandum of sale and a bond resolution to the board in called session Monday morning, which the board adopted unanimously.\r\n

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Newly-appointed Zone 2 Board Member David “Bubba” Powers participated in his first board session.\r\n

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Holsclaw said the sale of the $6 million in refinanced series 2009/2012 bonds was completed at an interest rate of 3.10 percent, compared to the original 3.83 percent estimate.\r\n

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“The district is going to save about $814,000 as a result of the bond sale,” he said.\r\n

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Holsclaw said the bulk of the savings will be realized within the first year of the bond issue.\r\n

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The issue is structured to pay off some $2 million in series 2009 bonds and refinance about $4 in series 2012 bonds. The savings stems from lower interest rates, and the ability to retire the bonds in 2041.\r\n

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The bonds will pay for construction of some 25,000-square feet of new academic and multi-purpose space at BHE, currently nearing completion, and roof replacements and repairs at Clinton Primary School and Hope High School.\r\n

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Holsclaw said a recent change in state law allows the district to use the funds derived from the bond sale for more than academic purposes.\r\n

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“Arkansas law actually required you to use the savings for academics; that is no longer required,” he said. “It’s your money, and you can use it however you want.”\r\n

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But, Holsclaw said state law still places a restriction upon private uses of bond-financed property or infrastructure.\r\n

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“Some school districts have advertising on their school buses,” he said. “That would not be allowed if they were paid from bond proceeds.”\r\n

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Also Monday, the board addressed year-end personnel matters including:\r\n

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--Certified hires of Deadra Caesar-Simington, Yerger Middle School science; and Melissa Qualls, YMS math.\r\n

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--Resignations of Mike Miller, Hope High School math; Sid Barker, HHS band; Alan Adcock, YMS band; and Brandi Miller, ALE at Yerger.\r\n