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The borrowing came in two separate decisions.
The first approval was for a 2009 general obligation note, including a principal totaling $14,585,000. The board voted 9-0 on the motion, which will pay off 2006 bonds and a rate swap termination fee.
The second motion, referred to as the 2010 bond, passed 7-2. Voting for the measure were Suzanne Keene, Melissa Herr, Philip Wimer, James Byrnes, Richard Graff, John Hults and Rebecca Neimer. Riekers and Jeffrey Mills voted against the move.
The 2010 borrowing included refunding 2004 and 2005 bonds, which have a total principal amount of $17,205,000. The bonds will only be taken out if the district will realize a savings of at least $100,000 on the 2004 and 2005 bonds.
The more controversial part of the 2010 bond, however, was reserving the ability to borrow up to $1.5 million for energy conservation improvements at Hans Herr Elementary. Business Manager Terry Sweigart explained that the $1.5 million would only be borrowed after a study of energy cost savings is done at Hans Herr. The $1.5 million, he said, would only be used if the district determined that the project would be feasible.
Graff said he worried about having the ability to borrow the $1.5 million and having it easily accessible.
"You are not borrowing it," Byrnes replied, "you have the ability to borrow."
In other news, the board changed the status of substitute elementary band instructor Clarissa Gamble to a long-term substitute.
