The Falls City Public School District will save more than originally anticipated by refinancing bonds issued four years ago.  The District 56 Board Monday night approved a motion to authorize the redemption of the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Bonds that were issued in 2008, and a motion to authorize the issuance of Series 2012 Limited Tax Refunding Bonds. 
 Superintendent Tim Heckenlively says the move will save the district a little more than $80,000 – which is more than anticipated when the board first began discussing refinancing the bonds.  (play audio   :32)
 In other business Monday night, the District 56 Board approved a list of construction and maintenance projects as recommended by the project committee. 
 Among the priority projects is a new strength and conditioning room.  The proposal calls for converting the present track storage area at Jug Brown Stadium for that purpose.  (play audio  :23)
 Heckenlively says the new facility will be a “big upgrade” over the current facility, located under the bleachers at Jug Brown Stadium.  He says the school district will pay for the construction costs, and will seek donations to pay for equipment at the new facility.  That process is getting started but is in the “talking stages” right now.  (play audio  :44)
 Other priority projects for this year are a wood overlay of the Middle School gym floor, roofing maintenance, school security, and other general building maintenance projects.
 The board also voted to recognize the FCEA as the bargaining agent for the district's certified staff for the next two school years.
 In his report to the board, North School Principal Ernie Valentine noted that early indications are there will be approximately 45 students enrolled in kindergarten next school year. 
 That relatively small number may be partly due to changes in state law.  Beginning with the next school year, any child who is five years of age on July 31st is eligible to enter kindergarten.  Children who are four as of July 31st may not enroll in Kindergarten except under special circumstances.  The previous cut-off date was October 15th, and Valentine said the earlier date might reduce the size of next year’s kindergarten class.