Rusk ISD will refinance $3.095 million in bonds

Doug Whitt of Southwest Securities, financial adviser for Rusk ISD, presented an opportunity for the district to refund its bonds at the Monday evening school board meeting. The board authorized Mr. Whitt to resell the district's bonds,totaling $3.095 million. The bond re-finance will allow a $100,000 savings to the district. Terms of bond pay-off will remain the same.

Currently the district is paying 4.2 percent interest. He hopes to sell the bonds for a 3 percent interest rate.

Band wins awards

In another matter, Gary Robbins, band director and several students, presented trophies the district won in UIL band competition. Both the varsity and the junior varsity bands received superior ratings.

"This is the tenth consecutive year that we have won sweepstakes and the 15th consecutive year that the Rusk band has received a first division in concert and sight reading," Mr. Robbins said. The seventh and eighth grade bands will go to Chapel Hill this week for UIL competition.

Charlie McCreight, maintenance director, presented a report of his department. Duties of each of the eight employees were outlined. Rusk ISD contracts with a Nacogdoches firm for jantorial service. Also, six full-time custodians are provided to the district.

Following an executive session, resignations were accepted from Paul Duesterhoft, Billy Harrell, Stephanie Nimitz and Marolyn Welch, teachers and Dezra Thomas, teacher/coach. Contracts were renewed for district teachers.

The board will meet again at 6 p.m. May 21.

Attending the meeting were president Mike Ross, vicepresident David Fulton; secretary Frances Long; and board members Roy Cavazoz, Rodney Hugghins, Britt Patterson and Dr. Anthony Holcomb.