School boards hear updates, Ritzville approves resolution for bond sale

The Lind and Ritzville School Boards were provided with updates from school staff, bond attorneys and community leaders during their regular meeting in Lind on March 27.

Superintendent Matt Ellis informed the school boards the administration is working to improve the truancy policy requirements and expectations of students. The purpose is to keep students in school and out of court, Ellis said, and the truancy board members are working to identify the barriers for students.

The policy will be revised to better fit the needs of the cooperative, Ellis explained.

Ellis also updated the boards regarding make up and waiver days for the districts. Due to eight snow days, the districts are now making up six days. They were granted two waiver days, and students will now be in school March 30-31, and June 9, 12, 13 and 14.

Jon Gores, Bond Financing Advisor with DA Davidson, provided a summary of the Bond Delegation Resolution for the Ritzville School Board.

Though the interest rates will be higher than in December, right after the bond passed, Gores said they will be able to see the $11 million worth of bonds to decrease the interest cost.

He explained selling $10 million separately will allow the bonds to be tax free, while the remaining $1 million will have a higher interest rate.

The scheduled date for the bond sale is May 10, and Gores said Washington state school bonds are always sought after by investors. Jim McNeil, Bond Counsel with Foster Pepper, added school bonds are great for investors because they are stable.

The Ritzville School Board members took a roll call vote to approve Resolution No. 2017-001, allowing the district to move forward with selling the bonds.

The resolution passed unanimously, and Ellis will continue to work with Gores and McNeil in regards to the bond sale.

The Ritzville School Board also reviewed a proposal from McKinstry regarding construction at the Ritzville Grade School building.

McKinstry is focusing on completing the HVAC and boiler work in the building as soon as possible, but the cost for the project has increase due to the potential of asbestos within the facility.

Lind-Ritzville band teacher Jennifer York discussed the recent success of the school bands during the meeting. Between the middle school and high school bands, York explained the districts had 27 students participate in the Bi-County Honor Band.

The bands also recently competed in a band contest, where the group must perform in front of judges and other bands.

The high school band received a superior rating of a one, the middle school band received a two, and the sixth grade band also received a one, for a superior rating.

The Community Connection for the month was the Lind Chamber of Commerce, represented by President PJ Jacobsen. She explained the Chamber is making changes this year and instead of hosting a single, large fundraiser event, they are instead providing multiple, smaller community events.

Jacobsen said the Chamber is focused on building community and supporting businesses. Recently, multiple buildings in Lind have been purchased for the creation of new small business ventures.