Strasburg BOE approves land purchase
After an executive session at the March 19 Strasburg Board of Education meeting, the board approved a resolution authorizing the negotiation, execution and consummation of a real estate purchase and sale agreement to sell real estate property to the village. The board accepted an offer from village officials to sell 1.21 acres of land located behind Village Hall at 224 N. Bodmer Ave. to the village for $120,000.
“There is still the legal contracts and information that need finalized. This action approved the letter of intent for a land transaction,” Superintendent Vince Lindsey said. “The village is looking to build a community center that includes a police station, library and food pantry. It is something the school endorses to positively impact our community, and having a police station close is a priority for us.
“Safety is a priority as part of the Tiger Way, and ensuring that are students and staff remain safe was important. There are still legal contracts to be worked out with the purchase of the land.”
The Little Tiger Preschool team received a Gold Award for preschool and early childhood education. The team goes above and beyond the support of students. The preschool opened in the 2023-24 school year. The preschool team includes Jim Markino, Emily Everett and Caitlin Brown. Matt Carpenter, pupil services director, is proud of the hard work of the team.
The board also did the following:
—Issued three-year administrative contracts to Matt Carpenter, pupil services director, and Maria Smith, director of continuous improvement and gifted services, both effective Aug. 1, 2025, to July 31, 2028. Smith has a 21-year career in education and currently serves as principal of the Massillon Intermediate School. Lindsey said Smith’s extensive experience in curriculum development and school leadership and her dedication to student success make her an ideal fit for this role.
—Heard Bruce Metzger, Strasburg mayor, inform the board he and Mike Rosenberry, village administrator, agreed the school does not have to pay $15,000 toward the installation of a roof at the village/bus garage. Metzger said the school can use those funds elsewhere. He said the village supports the school and will continue to give their support.
—Heard village council agreed to allow renovations in the park if the bond issue passes, as the athletic fields are located on village property.
—Approved a resolution authorizing the filing of an original complaint against the valuation of real property pursuant to Ohio Revised Code.
—Approved Ace Waldron as a preservice substitute teacher for the 2024-25 school year.
—Accepted the resignation of Chad West for Guys with Ties for the 2024-25 school year.
—Approved Michael DePietro for Guys with Ties adviser for the school year. The stipend will be paid from Title IV funds of $750.
—Approved Amber Wolfe as a substitute bus/van driver and cafeteria worker for the 2024-25 school year.
—Issued one-year supplemental contracts for the 2024-25 school year for Phil Shori, boys varsity high school basketball coach, effective Aug. 21, 2024, and Brooke Spinelli, varsity assistant track and field.
—Gave approval for a College Credit Plus Memorandum of Understating with Walsh University for 2025-26.
—Heard an update from Rachel Ripley, theater and drama adviser, about the recent production of “Little Women.” She said 15 were in the cast, and over 300 attended the two-night production.
Other information
The board recognized March Student of the Month recipients James Fischer, high school; Henry Hershberger, middle school; and Temperance Sickels, elementary. Each received a plaque sponsored by the district and Lions Club.
The 2025 prom will be May 30 at Tuscarawas County Performing Arts Center.
The 3.6-mill, 30-year bond issue to generate $10 million for a new athletic complex is Issue 11 on the May 6 ballot.
The next meeting will be April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the board office, 140 N. Bodmer Ave., Strasburg.