Bond refinance saves taxpayers nearly $250,000
Walla Walla Public Schools has refinanced a portion of its outstanding bonds in order to take advantage of lower interest rates. The recent refinancing will save the district’s taxpayers a total of $243,535 during the next three years.
These savings flow directly to taxpayers through reduced tax levies and are not available for district expenses.

“We appreciate the support of our community over the years through the passage of capital improvement bonds so we can provide our students quality facilities to enhance their education,” Superintendent Mick Miller said. “This refund serves as a thank you to our taxpayers for their generous support of public education and the needs of children in the Walla Walla valley.”

The Walla Walla School Board accomplished these savings by approving the issuance of $2,850,000 in refunding bonds at its meeting held on July 20, 2010. The district has been monitoring bond market conditions over the past year and recent low interest rates allowed the district to actually exceed their savings target. Interest rates averaged 0.78% on the new bonds compared to 5.62% on the old debt.

Personnel Report (August 9, 2010 - School Board Special Meeting)
EMPLOYMENT
Certificated:
- Christina Khali, Fifth Grade, Sharpstein Elementary
- Brandy Martinez, Third Grade, Sharpstein Elementary
- Elisa Weinman Pogue, Head Start/ECEAP Coordinator (.3 FTE), Blue Ridge Elementary

Classified:
- Rosa Coronado, Receptionist (temporary), Lincoln Alternative High School
- Jessie Huntington, Bus Driver, Transportation Department

RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Certificated:
- Kathleen Oliver, Fifth Grade, Sharpstein Elementary, 16 years
- Patricia Shaver, Third Grade, Sharpstein Elementary, 17 years

Classified:
- Melissa Bronstein, Health Clinician, Pioneer Middle School, 3 years
- Diane Buchkoski, Para-Educator, Berney Elementary, 8 years
- Alicia Dankel, Intervention Specialist, Blue Ridge Elementary, 18 years
- Judy Fowler, Head Secretary, Transportation Department, 21 years (Judy will retire effective October 29, 2010)
- Susie Morris, Health Clinician, Walla Walla High School, 7 years (Susie was on a leave of absence for the 2009-2010 school year)
- Holly Weisner, Assistant Secretary, Head Start/ECEAP Program, 3 years

LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Classified:
- Luciana Herrera, Intervention Specialist, Sharpstein Elementary, 18 years (Leave of absence for the 2010-2011 school year.)

Walla Walla High School Dance Team yard sale Saturday
- Saturday, August 14

- 7 a.m. to noon

- St. Patrick Catholic Church parking lot (Poplar Street and 5th Avenue)

- Funds raised will be used to fund the Wa-Hi dance team for the 2010-11 school year

- The 13-member varsity squad will dance at Wa-Hi football and basketball games before the competition season begin in January. Team members are also selling Tupperware as a fundraiser and are having a car wash on Aug. 20 at Walla Walla Farmers Co-Op from 3 to 6 p.m.

- For more information contact Rick Eskil at 520-4390.

Walla Walla County Health Department to offer immunizations to school-aged children
The Walla Walla County Health Department is offering immunizations for school-aged children. All students enrolled in public schools must have up-to-date immunizations. Visit the Walla Walla Public Schools Health Services Department website page for school immunization information: http://www.wwps.org/support/healthservices/default.htm

Immunization Clinic Location
Walla Walla County Health Department - 314 West Main Street (use the Rose Street entrance)

Immunization Dates
- Tuesday, August 17 (Time: 8-11 a.m. and 1-6 p.m.)
- Wednesday, August 18 (Time: 8-11 a.m. and 1-6 p.m.)
- Friday, August 20 (Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Items to bring
- Child’s immunization record
- Form of payment: medicaid, cash, check, credit card

Additional information
Susann Bassham, MPH , Health Educator
Walla Walla County Health Department
314 West Main Street
PO Box 1753
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 524-2664