Hall High School approves surplus budget

SPRING VALLEY — The Hall High School board heard good news during Wednesday night’s meeting in regards to the bonds used to build the new school and also with the FY22 budget.

Since 2017, the bonds have been refinanced twice which has saved more than $11.4 million in interest plus shortened the life of the bonds by four years. The most recent bond sale for refinancing closed on Tuesday.

Superintendent Jesse Brandt said, “This is great news for our taxpayers.”

The FY22 budget was adopted after being on display for 30 days. A budget hearing was held right before the regular meeting with no public comments. Brandt told the board that the budget was basically the same as the tentative budget he presented last month with just a few minor changes.

Brandt said, “It’s a positive budget as long as we receive all of our payments from the state and the local tax money. There is a surplus in most funds, with the exception of transportation and debt services, but overall the final budget is positive.”

Brandt also explained that he hoped that it would be better even than projected because he uses the worst-case scenario in revenue.

In other news:

• The board approved Brandt submitting a school maintenance project grant application. The grant is not guaranteed but if awarded will match up to $50,000. Brandt suggested using the grant to resurface the fenced-in parking lot east of the football field. The money could be used for several projects if needed.

• Greg Case was hired as an assistant football coach for the 2021 season.

• The board approved a four-year collective bargaining agreement with the staff union.

• Brandon Czubachowski and Brian Green were hired as teacher mentors.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. in the library.