Safe Routes to School funding discussed

Fairless High School Principal Chad Merritt and Assistant Principal Tammy Bixler-Zalesinsky gave a presentation about the high school program of study during the Jan. 9 board of education meeting. They pointed out potential changes to the high school course of study. The board will vote on the changes that will take place in the 2024-25 school year at the Feb. 20 meeting at 6:15 p.m.

The board also approved the school calendar for 2024-25. The first day of school for students in first grade through sixth grade and freshman will be Aug. 20 and first grade through 12th grade on Aug. 21. The last day for students will be May 30. Kindergarten classes are a rolling start and have not yet been determined.

The board also did the following:

—Approved standing board resolutions for 2024.

—Established a $5,000 service fund to be used for board members in line with their duties.

—Entered a contract with Vasco Asphalt for paving in Brideweser Stadium at a cost of about $50,000.

—Passed a resolution authorizing the preparation and execution of an application for Safe Routes to School funding.

—Agreed the board will meet the third Tuesday of each month at 6:15 p.m. at the high school.

—Set the board compensation at $125 per meeting. Board members are only paid for one meeting a month, no matter how many meetings are held. Board members must attend at least one meeting a month to be compensated.

—Approved participation by the board president and vice president at the Ohio School Board Association school board president workshop in 2024 with expenses to be paid from the board service fund.

—Hired the law firm of Peters, Kalail and Markakis Co. LPA to provide supportive services to General Counsel. This is support for in-house counseling through the Stark County Educational Service Center.

—Approved Lauren Knight, spring drama assistant, for 2023-24.

—Approved additional hours for Michael Rittmaier for home instruction of a student, effective Dec. 17, 2023, through the remainder of the school year, if necessary.

—Held an executive session to discuss the employment of a public employee. No action was taken.

Other information

Dr. Jody Seward was selected as board president, and Hope Hill was named vice president for 2024.

Justin Henry, a new board of education member, was administered the oath of office by treasurer Mark Phillips.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 20 at 6:15 p.m. in the high school professional development room at 800 Seventh St. in Brewster.