By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Parkland Superintendent Richard Sniscak reports a bond refunding action approved recently by the school board should save the district at least $475,000.

“That is the minimum threshold,” Sniscak said.

The district financial team developed the plan to refund three general obligation bonds from 2015 totaling $26.5 million, from a higher to a lower rate of interest.

Sniscak said the transaction will be undertaken within the next month when market conditions are most favorable.

He explained the district received notice from the state Department of Education that its base index under Act 1 for the next budge term is 3.0 percent.

That is the amount of tax increase allowed without special exceptions or other financial approvals.

“Our intent is to remain within the index,” Sniscak said.

He said core administrators and the Joint Principals Leadership Committee meet regularly to work on the 2021-22 budget.

Looking ahead to sources of revenue, Sniscak said projections from real estate are trending positive but it is too early to know how earned income tax will work out in the new year.

Sniscak said the district has incurred costs for cleaning and disinfecting buildings due to COVID-19 and has had to bring in additional teachers for the remote program.

The superintendent explained at the elementary level, the 100-percent remote teachers are not involved in any other forms of instruction.

“Remote is all that they do,” Sniscak said.

“The 100-percent remote students have their own teachers in the elementary grades.

“At the secondary level, hybrid and remote teachers are blended.

“About 30 percent of Parkland students are doing 100 percent remote.”

He said the new Veterans Memorial Elementary school has had a great beginning for children in Upper Macungie Township.

“We couldn’t be more pleased. We’ll probably have a dedication with public participation in spring,” Sniscak said.

He said the district wants to give Veterans Memorial the recognition and ceremony the new school deserves.