The East Penn School Board continues dealing with the weight of the state’s lack of school funding.

As the board looks to finalize the 2016-2017 budget and in an effort to keep the costs down to residents, the board voted at the Feb. 22 meeting to authorize the administration to work with Public Financial Management, as financial advisor, Rhoads & Simon LLP, as bond counsel and Worth, Magee & Fisher, P.C. as solicitor to the district in conjunction with the issuance of General Obligation Notes, Series of 2016, for the purpose of restructuring the Series of 2011 Bonds and paying the costs of issuing the 2016 Notes.

Savings is estimated to be $85,000 over a two year period.

Board member Chris Donatelli voted against the motion stating his request for further clarification on the options and extended impact.

In other news, Gloria Bowman was appointed interim principal of Alburtis Elementary School effective March 1.

Assistant Superintendent Kristin Campbell discussed the draft 2016-2017 district calendar and proposed changes in October. Campbell said the students are scheduled off Oct. 10 for Columbus Day and again Oct. 12 for Yom Kippur. She is proposing using Oct. 11 for a professional development day for teachers. The board will vote on this proposed change at the next meeting.

The next meeting is scheduled 7:30 p.m. March 14 in the board room, 800 Pine St., Emmaus.