Refinancing saves district money

The financial forecast is a tool the district uses in managing expenses.
By AMANDA GARRETT
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
GIRARD -- City schools have refinanced the bond debt for Prospect Elementary, resulting in a savings of $177,992.
"Girard City Schools won't receive any more money, but taxpayers won't have that money taken out of their pockets," Treasurer Mark Bello told the board of education on Wednesday.
The board also approved a $215,000 contract with the Trumbull County Educational Service Center. Bello said this is a cost-effective means to provide services to Girard students.
"It allows us to have school psychologists and other services that would cost a lot more money if we were doing them on an individual basis," he said.
The board also approved the five-year forecast for fiscal years 2006 through 2010 that was submitted to the state. The forecast shows Girard schools are now in good financial shape because of a tax levy that was passed about a year and a half ago, Bello said. The district, however, will have to curb its spending if it wishes to remain in the black by 2010.
Quotable
"This is tool we can use so we can see when we're heading into trouble and make adjustments," Bello said.
Marge Pieton was named the bus driver of the year and feted with cake and ice cream. She was presented with a plaque from Superintendent Joseph R. Jeswald.
Pieton coordinates the bus routes and safety training for the drivers. "She's been working for us for 33 years," Jeswald said. "And in 33 years she's never been in an accident."
The board also approved buying more than $55,000 in textbooks and more than $109,000 for school activities. The biggest chunk of the activity money went to the Robotics Club with $34,600 and to the yearbook with $22,300.
agarrett@vindy.com