Infrastructure bond approved

The New London School Board met in regular session on Aug. 21, 2023 with all members present. No one addressed the Board in open forum and they approved an amended agenda and the consent agenda.

In Board business, they approved engagement letters from Piper Sander (Financial Agent) and Ahlers & Cooney (Bond Council). To remind constituents of the time line:

•May 16, 2022: Public Hearing for School Infrastructure Sales, Services & Use Tax Revenue Bonds @ $700,000.

•July 24, 2023: Piper Sander distributes “offering terms” to prospective bidders.

•August 21, 2023: Bids received and results are reviewed and tabulated. Board adopts resolution directing the sale to the low bidder.

•August 21, 2023: Matt Gillaspie reviewed terms of the lowest bidder with the Board. Pilot Grove Savings Bank offered 4.25% which will pay $135,000 in interest on $700,000 if not paid back early. The Board unanimously approved the Resolution.

•September 5, 2023: Special Board meeting via Zoom or Phone to adopt various issuance resolutions provided by Ahlers & Cooney.

•September 20, 2023: Transaction closes and proceeds are delivered to District.

In other Board business, the Board approved the revised 28E agreement for an SRO officer at approximately $22,905 for 20 hours weekly for 36 weeks. Carlos Lopez will be the SRO assigned to the New London District.

They approved a sign-on/retention bonus for Melissa Jacobs to cover the previous two school years and the current school year as she is considered to be a bus driver even though she currently drives a van.

In personnel matters, they took the following actions:

•Resignation: None

•Approved appointments: Kimberly Kerns/Special education associate and Austin Burns/Head HS Boys’ track coach.

Blake Nehring and Jayden Flowers were hired to coach junior high football, but their job situations changed and they were unable to accept the positions. Chad Wahls will step in as JH FB coach with assistance from Mitch Boles if he can work it out with his employer.

The meeting adjourned and the Board members attended “Meet the Teachers” at Clark Elementary.

The next regular meeting of the New London School Board will be Sept. 18, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the North Campus boardroom.