Harvey receives a training award from OSBA president-elect

Sally Green, Ohio School Board Association president-elect and a member of the Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education, presented Strasburg Board of Education President Kevin Harvey the 2023 OSBA Training Award from the Star Awards program during the Aug. 16 board meeting.

The district received a $200,000 Safety Grant. Superintendent Vince Lindsey said additional safety measures will become more secure in the elementary office, and multiple locations will have lockdown buttons so the school can be locked down instantly. Once inside the first set of doors and if permitted into the elementary office, an individual will not be permitted to go any farther without permission.

The board also issued one-year certified contracts to Madison Swartzentruber, middle school English/language arts; Michael DePietro, school counselor/parent liaison; Hannah Geyer, long-term substitute for middle school math; and Emily Everett, preschool teacher, hired by the Stark County Educational Service Center. Sean Gerber of Strasburg will serve as Little Tiger preschool aide.

The board also did the following:

—Learned discussions are being held with village officials to secure a resource officer for the school.

—Heard an order of about 130 engraved bricks, offered as a fundraiser by the Tiger Foundation, have arrived and were displayed at the Back-to-School Bash held Aug. 21.

—Accepted a $500 Staples gift card from the Strasburg American Legion and $100 from Jerry Schultz, a resident, for teacher supplies.

—Approved over 11 items as “abandoned” inventory and will be included in the auction.

—Accepted the resignation of Rachel Schumacher, school counselor/parent liaison, effective July 11.

—Approved Jacob Sheahan, summer OST algebra test-prep elective, effective June 26, and Jessica Pridemore for a maternity leave of absence for the 2023-24 school year.

—Approved Kevin Roberts, substitute bus driver and on-board instructor, at $24 per hour; Jessica Malterer, part-time Title tutor, at $30 per hour not to exceed 110 school days; and Caitlin Brown, permanent substitute teacher for the 2023-24 school year.

—Gave approval to Teresa Smith as a part-time van driver to transport a student with disabilities.

—Approved administrators Emily Palmer, director of continuous improvement and gifted, and Frank Kruger, high school/middle school principal, certified negotiated pay increases for the fiscal year 2024.

—Learned school fees for students in kindergarten through 12th grade is $40 if paid by Oct. 1 and $45 if paid after Oct. 1. Only free lunch students will be exempt from paying school fees.

—Agreed to participate in the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center driver’s education program at no charge to the district.

—Heard the possibility is being explored to have a Purple Stars School designation, which supports students with military parents.

—Granted one-year supplemental contracts to over 40 certified employees.

—Held an executive session to discuss personnel, employment and compensation. No action was taken.

Other information

The board lauded Bob Neidenthal, maintenance, the custodial crew and two students for getting the school ready for the 2023-24 school year.

The sound system in the auxiliary gym is operational. Coaches will be trained on how to use the Bluetooth system for practices and weight training.

Thirteen of 16 students enrolled in summer school successfully completed the coursework for credit recovery.

Little Tiger preschool will begin Aug. 28 for A-K and Aug. 29 for L-Z. All students will attend Aug. 30.

The next board meeting will be held Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building at 140 N. Bodmer Ave.