The month of January tested USD 383’s endurance as the first few weeks of the new year began with the important task of selecting a new Superintendent. The nine members of Manhattan-Ogden’s Board of Education are probably not too upset at Wednesday evening’s light agenda.
Taking out a bond issue during the economic strife of 2008 might have been a gutsy move for USD 383, but the multi-million dollar bond issue improved the district’s schools. In the year 2016, the nation is facing a better economy and the Manhattan-Ogden Board of Education is looking to refinance their outstanding finances with $54,280,000 left to pay.
At Wednesday night’s meeting, Brett Vahrenberg from Piper Jaffray and Co. of Leawood, Kansas addressed the board about possibly saving $4,125,670 between now and 2030. By refinancing the bond with an interest rate of 2%, the board would eventually be saving $625,000 a year by the final four years of the 15-year period.
“Just to make clear to everyone following along at home, this is not going to save us $4,000,000 this year. Our budget problems are not solved,” said board member Leah Fliter. Vahrenberg also pointed out the savings would be seen in the bonds and finances fund rather than the operational fund. After paying a bit more money between 2020 and 2024, the board would finally see the benefits in the final years.
In other new business, USD 383 employees will learn to be more conservative with their copying habits. The board awarded a bid to Century Business Systems, Inc. of Manhattan for a five-year, $132,000 contract. Most buildings in the district currently have multiple copying machines, but that will soon change in order to save money.
“It will be asking teachers to be prepared to make copies ahead of time, nobody wants to have panic when copiers go down,” President Marcia Rozell said. She also thanked teachers who have already been trying to curb their copying cravings.
The board also approved the purchase of 39 new radios from KaComm, Inc. of Manhattan in the amount of $16,780.96. With the purchase of the new radios, every building in the district will be properly equipped and in compliance with FCC regulations.
In special recognitions, the board honored the MHS Thespian Troupe who was awarded the prestigious honor of “Gold Honor Troupe” at last months’ convention in Wichita. Toula Sweeney, Senior, qualified for the International Thespian Festival with the performance of her monolog.
Tony Wichmann voiced a concern to the board at the beginning of the meeting in regards to the current policies of the MHS Swim Team. Wichmann’s daughter currently participates in club swimming, and is prohibited from representing MHS at KSHSAA-sanctioned swim meets. Wichmann presented documents to the board which outline KSHSAA’s policies. Wichmann said there is no KSHSAA regulation preventing his daughter from participating. The board will address the topic at a later meeting.
