Riverside Local Schools is headed toward a major financial milestone following action taken by the board of education at their Tuesday evening meeting that will provide the district with the opportunity in the upcoming months to pay off the remaining debt on the K-12 school building.
Treasurer Ronnie Fitchpatrick said the district refinanced its building debt in 2016, at that time totaling $1,235,000.
Now the outstanding balance of the bond is $290,000, and members approved a resolution stating that the redemption of the bond following the June 1, 2021, payment is in the best interest of the district.
“This is a big deal, as we’ll no longer owe money on our school building and it will be less of a burden on taxpayers,” Superintendent Scott Mann said.
Following the financial transaction, the resolution also states that the district will request permission from the county budget commission to transfer the estimated unexpended fund balance of $73,611.26 from the Bond Retirement Fund to the district’s Permanent Improvement Fund.
Also during the meeting, Mann reported that the district staff members who opted for the COVID-19 vaccination will receive their second dose today. As a result, the district is operating on a remote learning day.
“Mary Rutan Hospital has been very helpful in getting the vaccinations organized for all of the county schools,” he said. “The staff who signed up have been appreciative of the opportunity.”
During the elementary school report, Elementary Principal Mason Bryan said the district is planning a Riverside Art and Music Festival, slated for May 10, with the cancellation of the countywide event this year. Musical performances by student choral and band groups are planned, along with artwork on display.
April 26 also is tentatively set as the third- and fourth-grade music program, Bryan said.
Highlighting student achievements, the board recognized members of the high school bowling team for their recent success, including an undefeated season and advancing to the district tournament. The program has been in place at Riverside Schools for six years.
In personnel matters, members also accepted the resignation of technology coordinator Brandi Thompson, effective March 5, following her acceptance of another position closer to her residence.
“She will be greatly missed,” Mann said.
The board extended a new technology coordinator position to John DeMotte, effective April 5.
Members also approved Brogan Oliver as a bus aide, and Oliver and Laura Dalton to serve as bus/van driver for the current school year.
The board approved early graduation for students Kamry Nicole Harris and Angela Natosha Walter, who have met all local and state requirements.
The next meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, at the school library.