Trojan Pride Award presented
Lisa Walker, director of TUFF Bags, left, and Diana Flickinger, TV family advocate. Walker received the Trojan Pride Award.
Lisa Walker, director of the Tuscarawas United Feeding our Future Program, received the Trojan Pride Award at the Feb. 12 Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education meeting. Diana Flickinger, TV family advocate, made the presentation. New Philadelphia First Church of the Nazarene hosts the TUFF Bags program. About 1,700 children are served in six school districts along with several alternative and homeschooled students in Tuscarawas County.
Board member Ben Overton expressed why he loves the district. He said the district is the heartbeat of the community, and faculty and staff all love kids. Overton also offered a prayer prior to the board meeting.
The board also did the following:
—Accepted the resignation of Beth Parks, fourth-grade teacher, for retirement, effective June 6.
—Accepted the resignations of Matthew Dunn, custodian, effective Feb. 9, and Anna Marie Strauss, paraprofessional, effective June 6.
—Granted a one-year limited teaching contract to Matthew Claxon, middle school/high school math teacher, effective Aug. 26.
—Hired Chris Heck, middle school/high school custodian, effective Feb. 20.
—Entered into an agreement with Cronebaugh Auctions to facilitate an online auction of surplus furniture, equipment and salvageable items at Bolivar School, located at 216 Park Ave., tentatively scheduled for March 12-26.
—Accepted 11 donations or grants ranging from $1,000 to $50 and expressed appreciation to all who contributed.
—Approved the 2024-25 school calendar: Aug. 23, back-to-school bash and meet the team; Aug. 28, seventh grade through 12th grade open house; Aug. 29, kindergarten through sixth grade open house and elementary school grand opening; Sept. 3, first day of school for students; Christmas break, Dec. 31 through Jan. 3; spring break, April 16-21; and June 4, last day for students.
—Issued one-year supplemental contracts to certified employees as follows: Dixie Chumney, Joel Goodwin, Cory Janson, Matt Ward and Arien Wise, all sixth-grade camp; Chase Cooper, head baseball coach; Ryan Osman, assistant baseball; Sandy DeBos, assistant track; Brian Finn, head boys track; Mandy McElwee, head girls track; and Christian Wertz, assistant track.
—Granted one-year supplemental contracts to contracted employees: Tony Piconke, head softball coach, and Andrew Riechman, assistant softball coach.
—Entered into a service agreement with the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center for the remainder of the school year for Noah Allen, IT/multimedia technician, for 129 days at a cost of $39,350.
—Approved a contract with the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center for a teacher of the visually impaired and evaluation services from Nov. 6, 2023, to June 30, 2024, at the rate of $75 per hour and mileage expenses not to exceed $150 for the school year.
—Gave approval to Gabby Crum, Greg Dickerhoof, Taylor Galligher, Matt Gray and Mandy McElwee for 21st Century Community Learning Center positions paid by the 21st Century Grant.
—Approved Michelle Strain, employee, from an unpaid leave of absence, approved in April 2023, to a disability leave of absence, effective Sept. 21, 2023.
—Heard seventh-grader Natalie Stokes was the winner of the district spelling bee and eighth-grader Henry Nixon was runner-up. Stokes spelled Vaseline to win the title. The bee went 10 rounds. Stokes will compete at the regional spelling bee on March 2 at Kent State Stark campus.
Other information
The board recognized Student of the Month recipients: Garet Frey, high school; Maci Souers, fine artist; TJ Wilson, athlete; Timothy Goss, seventh grade; Blaise Rucker, eighth grade; Kelley Corbin, ninth grade; Katelynn Armstrong, 10th grade; and Allyson Duvall, 11th grade.
Sally Green, board member, gave a report on student achievement.
Dick Gooding, board president, thanked each club or organization that provides extras for the students. He mentioned the Ski Club adviser was the late Dave Kennat.
The next board meeting will be held March 11 at 6 p.m. in the Elementary Trojan Center at 2632 Tusky Valley Road in Zoarville.