Board receives update on 2019 Bond construction
This is such an exciting time of year, and it’s also a busy time of year. That’s certainly true for the Arlington ISD’s Board of Trustees. The board met yesterday evening, Aug. 15, 2024, and here are a few of the highlights.
The board received an update on the 2019 Bond program from Kelly Horn, Arlington ISD’s assistant superintendent for facility services. The 2019 Bond program is a $966 million five-year capital program that includes new construction, renovations and facility condition improvements, along with capital purchases for technology, fine arts and transportation. Much of tonight’s presentation focused on all the construction and renovations done over the summer at schools across the district. And there was a lot! There’s also a lot of construction continuing into the fall, including the huge addition at Arlington High School and the future Joey Rodriguez Junior High.
Later, the board adopted a resolution directing the defeasance and/or redemption of the district’s outstanding bonds. That sounds really confusing, but essentially, it’s about approving methods to save the district money by reducing the district’s debt and achieving savings on interest. It allows the chief financial officer and assistant superintendent of financial services to consult with the district’s financial advisor to identify opportunities to pay back bonds early and thus limit the amount of interest the district will owe.
Trustees also approved the monthly financial report on operations and the district’s investment activity report through June.
Finally, the board re-approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Arlington and the Arlington Police Department for services provided for the Arlington ISD Police Academy. APD facilitates the district’s Police Academy Course – part of the Practicum in Law Enforcement at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center. Taught by an APD officer, the class gives students a deeper understanding of the law enforcement field.
Those are just a few of the highlights from tonight. If you would like more details on any of these, or any of the items not covered in this Board Brief, please click here to watch the entire meeting.
Thank you and have a great start to the new school year!