Marshall Public Schools board approves bond refunding and multiple facility and technology purchases

On April 14 the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education approved a slate of fiscal and facilities actions including a proposed refunding of the district's 2015 bonds, sinking‑fund purchases of safety and facilities equipment, and vendor contracts for a new turf field, track resurfacing and gym sound system.

The board approved a resolution to pursue refunding of the 2015 bonds to reduce interest costs and voted to accept a community‑led capital plan to install synthetic turf at Marshall High School. Trustees also approved purchases paid from the district sinking fund, including a track renovation and sound system replacements, the purchase of 450 Chromebooks, and replacement of a facilities pickup truck.

Board members and staff said the actions were aimed at lowering long‑term borrowing costs, improving campus safety and keeping buildings and athletic facilities usable.

The board voted unanimously to allow finance staff to pursue an interest‑rate refunding of the district's 2015 bonds. Kendra Lee, the district finance director, told the board the district expects an estimated net taxpayer savings in the range of about $372,000 to $500,000 after refunding costs; she said the estimated cost to complete the refunding is roughly $270,000 and that final savings will be known once interest rates are locked.

Trustees also approved a contract proposal to install synthetic turf at Marshall High School from Maumee Bay Turf for $1,031,661. District staff said the turf purchase is tied to a community capital campaign being…