Board approves intercom purchase and bonds

In a regular meeting Thursday, the Bryant School District decided to pursue second lien bonds. The board also approved the purchase of a new intercom system for Bryant Elementary School and Bryant Middle School. The cost for the project is $69,900.

With these bonds, the district will be able to accomplish $5 million in projects without increasing the district’s millage rate.

Superintendent Dr. Karen Walters told the board that the district’s debt ratio is at 14 percent. Of the more than 200 school across the state, Bryant ranks 50th, she said.

“I feel comfortable where we are (in the ranking,)” Walters said.

During the presentation, Scott Beardsley of First Security Finance told the board Walters and Chief Financial Officer and Business Manager Angie Drummond have worked to balance meeting immediate needs while saving money for future projects.

Projects included in the district’s Facilities Master Plan include a new elementary school, Bryant Hornet Stadium renovations, replacing several school roofs, replacing heating and air conditioning systems at Bryant Middle School and Bethel Middle School, the construction of tennis courts at Bryant High School, a new district administration building, an addition to Bryant High School, relocation of the district’s pre-kindergarten program and a competition field at Bryant Junior High School.

During the recognition portion of the meeting, the board recognized two Bryant students – Kakada Av and Rachel Sweningson – who were recently named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists.

The board also approved an out-of-state travel request from the Bryant High School journalism students, budgets for the district’s special education program, federal budgets for the 2019-2020 school year, as well as a statement of assurances.