Feb 19, 2016 2 min read

Trinity Area School Board on Thursday authorized the administration to apply for the Qualified Zone Academy Bond through the Pennsylvania Department of Education for renovation projects.

The QZAB is a federal program that allows states to provide loans to school districts, which will be paid back at zero interest or a low interest rate.

The school district is applying for $14 million in QZAB funds, and authorized McLiney and Co. of Kansas City, Mo., which specializes in helping school districts and municipalities secure funding they need, to handle the QZAB financing.

Public schools in which 35 percent or more of the student body receives free or reduced lunches qualify for QZAB funding. Funds can be used for renovation and rehabilitation projects, and equipment purchases.

Trinity Superintendent Michael Lucas said the district plans to use the money to upgrade facilities.

That will include paving, replacing HVAC systems at the elementary schools, installing new lighting and installing solar panels.

“Trinity has many projects that need to be completed, and this is an opportunity for the district to take out a low-interest loan to cover the cost of the projects. The projects are focused on cost-saving and energy-saving measures,” said Lucas, noting the district spends about $650,000 a year for electricity.

“The board has authorized us to apply with the PDE for the QZAB, and then we wait and see. It’s up to the PDE if they’ll provide this opportunity for the district,” Lucas said.

In other business, the board voted to allow a Bethlehem-Center School District student to attend Trinity’s Vocational-Agricultural Program on a full-day basis. Bethlehem-Center will be responsible for paying tuition costs and any transportation costs to and from the program, as set by the state Department of Education.

The board accepted the resignation of Trinity South Elementary School secretary Johanne Shiring, who is retiring, effective April 29.