The Hobart School Board has approved the spending of $5,575,000 for improvements at each of the district’s six schools and the administration building.

Superintendent Peggy Buffington bonds are being readied to be sold July 27 with renovations tentatively slated to begin in August.

The improvements include paving and parking lot repair, turf replacement, track, court and floor replacement, fence repairs, stage curtain and rigging replacement, pool repairs, boiler and HVAC repairs, an elevator rebuild, playground upgrades, a new plow truck and erosion control.

There were no public comments on the hearing for the improvements.

Officials said the bond issue won’t have an impact on taxes as other bonds are maturing.

Buffington told the board the improvements were timely because new subdivisions are being built across the city.

The board approved the renewal of two leases for the use of Ridge View Elementary, which closed to students when Veteran Elementary opened last year.

The Hobart Family YMCA will pay $1,700 a month for an after-school program and the Geminus Corp. will pay $1,214 for its Head Start program.

Also, the board approved a resolution for the city’s fire department to use space at Ridge View for EMT instruction and simulations using equipment provided by the St. Mary Medical Center.

Buffington said the program would complement and enhance training opportunities for students in those career path programs, as well.

The board honored longtime business manager Ted Zembala who’s retiring June 29 after 31 years.

“He’s recognized across the state as an expert in school finance,” said Buffington, who’s worked with Zembala since 1994. “He lives and breathes it.”

Board president Terry Butler said Zembala wrote a program on school budgeting that’s used by districts across the state.

At an earlier meeting, Bob Glover was appointed as Zembala’s replacement.

Also, the board honored Dawn Powers, recently named Treasurer of the Year for District 1.

Buffington praised Powers for her oversight of school auditing. “Dawn is meticulous. She knows what has to be done with all the internal controls in place,” she said.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.