With the budget overview set to be begin next month, the South Huntington school board spent its time Wednesday discussing how to cost-effectively improve the district.

In a move which could save $300,000 in interest, the school board discussed a plan to take advantage of current low rates and refund some bonds from as early as 2000 still in effect. A bond from 2001 to aid the completion of portable classrooms and a bond from 2003 to help finance a new public library, are ongoing, with interest.

Also at the meeting at the South Huntington District Administrative Building, Superintendent Thomas Shea said an energy performance contract is close to being completed but as new uni-vents were being installed, a problem arose with the plumbing.

“Our 50-year-old pipes could not deal with the added pressure of what was required for the new uni-vents,” said Shea.

The board is asking for $20,000 to help cover the “hidden costs” of replacing the old pipes. The money will come out of the general fund, according to the school board.

The new plumbing may cost the district money, but the addition of two Ipad Carts won't. The South Huntington Educational Foundation, which has made contributions to the district including Smartboards and a rock climbing wall, will be donating the carts to serve as a charging station for approximately 30 iPads.

"This will allow us to supplement our computer classrooms,” said Board Trustee Nick Ciappetta.

The possibility of enhancing the classroom and students’ learning experience through new applications on the Ipad looks promising. The majority, if not all of the usable apps, are offered for free from Apple.

One app in particular will serve as a new and innovative learning tool for teachers and students which will allow users to read text on the iPad, but also create their own textbooks and storybooks to share on the web, according to the school board.

“Rather than be consumers of books, we can actually be producers of literature which would be a great opportunity for our students,"  said Timothy Eagen, assistant superintendent of instruction and curriculum.