Happy Friday, Meridian Students and Families!
I hope you enjoy the day away as our teachers and staff work together today to wrap up first semester and prepare for the next semester. January is School Board Recognition Month! We recognized the great work of our Meridian School Board at Wednesday evening’s board meeting. Please join me in thanking our Board of Directors when you see them: Board Director Chair Marty Gray, Board Director Vice Chair Craig Mitchell, Board Director Brian Evans, Board Director Renier Elenbaas, and Board Director Sara Bernardy. You can expect to see the latest edition of our winter newsletter District News in your mailbox early next week. Among other stories, the winter edition highlights a celebration of our Meridian School Board of Directors, information about student growth, and our new Early Entry Kindergarten class. This edition also introduces Molly Zinkle, our amazing Family Service Coordinator and talks about our upcoming replacement operations levy and technology levy.
Meridian School Board Approves Resolution to Refinance Bonds
I’m excited to report the Meridian School Board passed a resolution Wednesday evening authorizing the District to refinance outstanding bonds should market conditions generate a certain savings threshold for the District’s taxpayers. The 2010 school bonds are eligible for refunding in the coming months and current interest rates are at historic lows.
The Board set a minimum target for savings at 3% and projections show the savings could exceed 6% with current interest rates. These potential savings will flow directly to our taxpayers through reduced bond interest payments and are not available for school district expenses.
Levy Information
Our educational operations levy is not new and is set to expire at the end of this year. The technology capital levy is new and will address safety, communication, professional development, and instructional initiatives to prepare our students for a technologically advanced workplace. These levies make up nearly 13% of our budget, and if approved, will continue to support many important initiatives. On behalf of our students, staff, and district, we are so thankful the Meridian community continues to show its strong support for education.
Elementary families can expect to see our Levy Fact Sheet coming home in backpacks soon. Middle and high school offices have them available in their school offices. I encourage you to let me know if you have questions about our levies and how they help fund our staff, schools, district, and programs.
Please vote on or before February 11th.
Thank you,
James
Dr. James Everett
Meridian School District