School resource officer approved at Strasburg
Pictured are Harper Lude, left, first-grade student, and Heather Miller, first-grade teacher. Harper, a daughter of Nicholas and Hannah Lude of Strasburg, is the first elementary student to receive the Student of the Month.
The Strasburg Board of Education approved the employment of a school resource officer for the 2023-24 school year, pending a Memorandum of Understanding between the district and village, during its Sept. 20 meeting.
The district will pay 70% of the officer’s pay and the village 30%. Strasburg Police Chief Dave Warrick is in the process of interviewing individuals for the SRO position, which will be eight hours a day Monday through Friday. Warrick said the starting pay for a police officer is $22 per hour. He said once the MOU is signed by both the school district and village officials, there is a police officer that will be temporarily assigned to the position until a full-time officer is hired.
According to Superintendent Vince Lindsey, the district received a 3.5-star overall rating, which meets the state standards. The overall rating is comprised of five components. The district received a 4-star rating in achievement, 2-star rating in progress, 4-star rating in gap closing, 3-star rating in graduation and 3-star rating in early literacy. The elementary received a 4-star overall rating. Lindsey said the state report card reports a year behind.
“We are in a good place,” he said.
The board also did the following:
—Learned the elementary is seeking individuals to participate in the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program. Information is available by calling the elementary school at 330-878-5571.
—Approved the 2024 fiscal year permanent appropriations of $10,851,643.
—Heard the Little Tiger preschool has 12 students in the morning and 15 students in the afternoon. The school is in session Monday through Thursday.
—Approved an unpaid absence to Danielle Thornberry, teacher, Feb. 8 and 9, 2024.
—Issued a pay increase of 5% to Rebecca Marsh for payroll and accounts, payable for the 2023-24 school year.
—Gave approval to pay 10 teachers for graduate credits per negotiated agreement.
—Approved Matthew Wald as a substitute teacher for the 2023-24 school year.
—Approved donations from Willandale Golf for sponsor logo on the gym floor, Kona Ice for payment of student accounts, and an American Legion gift card for school staff supplies for students.
—Held the first reading of 20 NEOLA board policies. The policies will be approved at the Oct. 16 meeting.
—Learned at the Heroes Night Military and First Responders Recognition each veteran and first responder received a pin. A Strasburg American Legion color guard participated, and the band played a selection of military music.
Other information
The board recognized Student of the Month recipients Ava Mullet, high school; Nicole Bowersock, middle school, both academics; and Harper Lude, first Elementary Student of the Month.
The Tiger of the Month recipients (demonstrating goal setting) are Noelle Paisley, sixth grade; Alexis Miller, seventh grade; Nicole Bowersock, eighth grade; Nora Ham, freshman; Marquez Septer, sophomore; Ava Mullet, junior; and Alex Burkett, senior.
The YMCA site manager will use the elementary gym for student participation the next nine weeks.
The next meeting will be held Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building, 140 N. Bodmer Ave., Strasburg.