PCSD board OKs financing for two construction projects

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Perry County School District 32 School Board took its final steps in financing the district’s Primary Center and middle school construction projects at its latest meeting on Feb. 12. The board approved the sale and issuance of $9.5 million lease purchase certificates of participation to its municipal bond underwriter, L.J. Hart & Company of St. Louis. The Bank of Missouri purchased $1,450,000 of the certificates and First State Community Bank acquired $500,000. These certificates represent the third and final financing for the construction of the Primary Center, replacement of a portion of the current middle school, and construction of a classroom addition, which will connect the middle school gym and cafeteria. The meeting kicked off as Perryville High School student Will Pfaff was also recognized for his musical talent. Pfaff, the son of Kenny and Angie Pfaff, auditioned and made the Southeast All-District Jazz Band.  The Jazz Band consists of 18 students that rehearse together with a clinician and perform a concert. To make the All-District Jazz Band, eligible students, from the Southeast District, prepare an audition of two jazz standards and two solo pieces.  They perform for a judge the music and jazz improvisation.   Pfaff auditioned on both piano and bass guitar and was selected as the bass-player for this year’s group. This also also made Pfaff eligible to audition for the Missouri State All-District Jazz Band. The rehearsal and performance took place at Three Rivers College on Feb. 14-15.  “This is my favorite part of my job,” Assistant Superintendent Jeanie White said. “It’s kids like Will who make us as administrators look good.” Following Pfaff’s recognition White also introduced each board member as part of School Board recognition week. The board members are Jamie Robinson, Mark Gremaud, Nancy Voelker, Kathy Carron, Rich Dix, Kevin Bachmann, and Mary Bauwens. “This group of people always makes its decisions with the best interests of the students and children in mind,” White said. “I’m proud to work with this board.” The board also voted to approve the high bid from Poplar Bluff R-1 Schools for the sale of district’s modular classroom for $45,110.10. The board had rejected a bid of about $10,000 last year. “I’m glad we decided to wait,” Superintendent Andy Comstock said. “I think the extra money we made makes it all worthwhile.” The board discussed the teacher staffing process for the 2020-21 school year and the CSIP process. They discussed a recommended amendment to Policy GBCBC. Superintendent Andy Comstock presented his monthly report. The budget analysis shows that the district is operating under budget about $180,000 at this point, he said. The current make-up days are Feb. 17, March 6, April 8 and April 14. Athletic Director Justin Dreyer presented the annual athletics and activities program evaluation. During the 2018-19 school year, 280 students participated in athletic programs (several in more than one sport) and 105 earned the JCAA Academic Award, and 686 students participated in clubs. So about a third of kids are in a sport, and two-thirds are in a club. “Our overall goal is simply to get students involved,” Dreyer said. “Students who are involved have greater sense of belonging, perform better in school, have better social interactions and just enjoy school more. We’d like to get all of our students into a club or activity.”