By HOLLY GASKILL
Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan Schools may issue $1.1 million in bonds to pursue several capital projects in 2025.
In a public hearing on Monday, the board of trustees heard from Jim Elizondo of Stifel Public Finance about the district’s current debt and what projects are needed within the district. Superintendent Brad Yates identified three improvement projects the district would like to address — the elementary playground, middle school upper gymnasium floor, and high school parking lot, among other deferred maintenance items.
The district’s debt service rate ($0.4879) was anticipated to decrease in 2025 due to increased assessed value. Issuing the $1.1 million bond would “be a zero increase or slight decrease” while allowing the district to pursue the projects, Elizondo said.
If left untouched, the district’s debt service rate could fall in 2026 and several years following due to expiring debt.
The board did not act on the bond Monday, and no one gave public comment. BHMSD will hold another hearing before approval.
Following the meeting, the board held a work session to establish a timeline to select the next principal of Bluffton High School; last month, Principal Steve Baker announced he would retire following this school year.
Board member Mike Murray asked if there were potential internal candidates, and Yates said he expected there to be.
The district will take input from staff and families until Oct. 15, and the job will be posted from Oct. 28 to Nov. 27. The district will then review applications and interview candidates, and plans to make a recommendation on Dec. 16.
holly@news-banner.com
