Community thanked for their support
A thank you was given to the community and surrounding areas on Monday, Dec. 11 at the Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education meeting for the support and love given to the district during the tragedy that occurred Nov. 14. Banners were presented to each school in the district from Sandusky Schools. Board President Dick Gooding gave a board community statement.
Pastor Aaron Rae, lead pastor of the Bolivar Community Church, was presented the Trojan Pride award.
In another matter the students, community and public education will be honored and the grand opening of the middle school/high school auditorium will be held Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. in the new auditorium. Music will begin at 12:45 p.m. with a reception at 2 p.m.
Jamie Lewis, Aultman Orrville Carrollton Health Center, gave a presentation on a proposed school-based health center/clinic. A grant was submitted and should be awarded by the end of March. If approved, it will improve the availability of healthcare services and promote construction of an onsite brick and mortar health clinic located on the school campus.
Other action
The board did the following:
—Passed a resolution to employ Corgogan Clark Lesko to design a plan, with specifications, for abatement and demolition of Tuscarawas Valley Intermediate School at Bolivar and the primary school at Mineral City at a cost of $155,000.
—Approved a contract with Dant Clayton to renovate the stadium bleachers at about $351,868.
—Accepted the resignation of Ava Dunn, intervention specialist, for retirement purposes, effective Nov. 1, 2023.
—Issued one-year supplemental contracts to certified employees Chase Cooper, freshman class adviser; Mandy McElwee, National Honor Society; and Megan Sams, Ski and Board Club adviser.
—Accepted donations/grants of $250,000 from Doris and Floyd Kimble Foundation, auditorium; $5,000 from Sons and Daughters of Jerman Benevolence Fund, band donation; $2,000 from Javan and Shannon Yoder, $2,000 from Mathew and Bailey Meeker, and many other donations for Affordable Christmas; over 30 donations for the various needs in the district; Dutch and Annie Shuman for an inversion table and elliptical machine; and Faith Christian Church for a grand piano for the new middle/high school.
—Granted an unpaid leave for Dusty Addington from Nov. 21 through the remainder of the 2023-24 school year.
—Approved a maternity leave for Khendle Van Pelt, third-grade teacher, effective Nov. 13 to about Jan. 5.
—Gave approval for indoor high school track and field team at no cost to the district with four volunteer coaches.
—Approved an athletic holiday from June 28 to July 7 for TV student-athletes in seventh grade through 12th grade. School gyms will be closed during this time.
—Accepted two Life Vacs, choking devices for the cafeterias, from the Heartlanders 4-H Club. Sherry McAffee is club adviser.
—Heard Bolivar and Lawrence townships have been contacted to keep the playground equipment located at the intermediate school after it is demolished.
Announcements
The board recognized the November High School/Middle School Student of the Month recipients: Kolton Wertz, high school; Jaidyn King, fine artist; Virgil Myers and Chloe Salapack, athletes; Grace Hawkins, seventh grade; Piper Fogle, eighth grade; Chloe Stephenson, freshman; Maleah Dillon, sophomore; and Marcus McNichols, junior.
The board recognized the December High School/Middle School Student of the Month recipients: Leah Wright, high school; Paige Price, fine artist; Trista Leiser, athlete; Bobby Bowers, seventh grade; Sara Whitlach, eighth grade; Abigail Gaynor, freshman; Loren Gardner, sophomore; and Allison Ernst, junior.
The board recognized 2023 Ohio School Board Association Media Honor Roll recipients Lori Feeney and Barb Limbacher, both from The Bargain Hunter. They received certificates for fair and balanced education reporting and exemplary service to the community.
The board thanked the Martin family for donating the Battle Pups for students to carry to sooth them.
The organizational meeting will be held Jan. 8 at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting, in the Elementary Trojan Center, 2637 Tusky Valley Road, Zoarville, and the board appointed Amy Burrier as president pro-tem.
