The sale of the $420,000 General Obligation Transportation Equipment Bonds of the Allen School District was discussed at Monday’s regular meeting of Allen School Board.

In action items, the board voted yes on a resolution determining the maturities of, and setting a date, time and place for the sale of the bonds.

Superintendent Jeff Hiatt said the sooner the better when selling the bonds as prices are currently very low.

“It will save everybody money,” Hiatt said, “less taxes, so it’s good for everybody. We’re going to do that on March 30.”

Hiatt said the bonds will be put up for bids, through a bond company, and the entity which offers the lowest interest rate will be awarded.

Hiatt said the school system will have the money May 20.

“Originally, we were told we wouldn’t have the money to buy the buses until August, so we’re getting it three months earlier,” he said. “I’m pretty happy about it.”

And the plan is to begin making purchases as soon as possible.

“We’re shopping now, because a lot of this stuff they have to order so they can have it before school starts,” Hiatt said.

And, Hiatt said, the custom Allen Mustangs activity bus will take a little longer, but the system should have it before school starts as well.

During administrative reports, Hiatt said the transportation bond passed with 71% of the votes.

“I want to thank all the people that got out and voted and supported their school system,” he said. “I am in the process of getting the bids and deciding on who we will be purchasing them from and will keep you updated. Once again I am super thankful for all the community that supported their school by voting yes for this bond.”

In other action items, the board approved a $20 fee per student for the prom to help recoup some of the expenses associated with the event, which will be held off campus.

“We’re just having a hard time raising money with their classes to pay for prom off campus,” Hiatt said. “The kids all want to go off campus, so they’d rather pay a fee than have it on campus.”

The prom is scheduled to be held at Banks Valley Guest Ranch in Ada on April 19.

Administrative Reports

During administrative reports, Hiatt said the school system had to file an insurance claim over damage suffered from the recent winter storm which brought ice, snow and subzero temperatures.

“The band room flooded and many items and instruments were damaged and ruined,” he said. “We also had a line break in the football field bathroom, flooding it. Damages were over $29,000 and have been turned in to insurance.”

Hiatt said the system continues interviewing and looking at head football coaching options for next year.

Hiatt also announced the FFA and 4H Results from the 2021 Pontotoc County Junior Livestock Show. The following were participants and their award results:

Kamlyn Cundiff - Grand Champion Wether Goat, Champion Intermediate Goat Showman; Caden Howard - Reserve Grand Wether Goat, Reserve Grand Breeding Doe, Champion Senior Goat Showman; Madison Dohlman - Reserve Grand Market Lamb, Champion Senior Lamb Showman; Trent Fronterhouse - Bronze Champion Wether Goat, Champion Dorset Wether Lamb, Champion Dorset Breeding Ewe; Maycee Howard - Reserve Breed Champion Hereford Heifer; Brakstin Horton - Premium Sale Market Goat Qualifier; Brady Crabtree - Champion Hair Sheep, Bronze Meat Rabbit Pen Champion; Addison Bailey - Bronze Meat Rabbit Pen Champion; Brody Wallis - Premium Sale Heifer Qualifier, 4th place Broiler Pen; Olivia Wallace -4th Place Meat Rabbit Pen; Ethan Roniss - 5th Place Meat Rabbit Pen; Alliegh Horton - Premium Sale Breeding Doe Qualifier; McCrae Walden - Champion Junior Sheep Showman, Champion Junior Goat Showman, Reserve Grand Broiler Meat Pen; Maddix Walden - Grand Champion Broiler Meat Pen; and Grasyn Whitehead - Premium Sale Gilt Qualifier.

Consent Agenda

The board approved the consent agenda which included the fiscal year 2020-2021 purchase orders and encumbrances: General Fund numbers 198 through 201 ($15,106.06); Building Fund numbers 46 thru 53 ($9,950); Child Nutrition Fund number 44 ($200); and Sinking Fund number 2 ($25,650).

Also included in the consent agenda were the Treasurer’s report and Activity Fund report.

Executive Session

The board entered into executive session to discuss personnel and the rehiring of administrative staff and directors for the school year ending June 30, 2022.

Staff hired back includes, Brenda Robertson (Treasurer/ Administrative Assistant); Lisa Cundiff (Activity and Encumbrance); Jimmy Wilson (Maintenance and Transportation Director); Candace Wilson (Cafeteria Director); Mark Jones (Technology Director); and Chad Colbert (Athletic Director).