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Southern Local begins search for superintendent

SALINEVILLE — The search for the next superintendent at Southern Local has begun.

After conducting some action items during a special board meeting on Wednesday, board members went into executive session with the applications of 13 people interested in the position. Board members were not going to take any action on Wednesday, but are expected to determine who will be interviewed among the applicants.

The board is replacing John Wilson, who resigned before the end of the school year, reportedly for health reasons.

Prior to the executive session, the board approved changes to both the elementary school and the junior/senior high student handbooks.

The additions include adding AP courses for American history and English 12 at the high school. It also spells out the policy implemented part way through last school year regarding students not being allowed to carry bookbags and backpacks between classes during the school day, with the possible exception of gym clothes to gym class.

The requirement to be considered for National Honor Society increased from a 3.0 grade point average to a 3.3 GPA.

Finally, the policies were adjusted regarding how medications can be distributed.

At the elementary school, the handbook was adjusted to include information regarding the Students with Disability Act and the education of homeless students. Additionally, it changed the discipline levels to include the possibility of in school and after school suspension on the first offense depending on the severity the offense.

Finally, it set how the achievement levels will be marked on report cards at a kindergarten through second grade levels.

Prior to the vote, board member Jay Cole noted he would also like to have some discussions in the near future about cell phone usage at school. The board also approved student and staff internet policies.

In other matters, the board:

— Assigned Regina Utt to the first grade elementary aide position.

— Approved physical therapy agreements for Kelly Crosby and Amy Purcell for fiscal year 2019.

— Approved the service agreement with OMERESA for fiscal year 2019.

— Approved an agreement with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to provide special education services for the upcoming year.

— Approved an elementary reward field trip to Kennywood Amusement Park on June 26, with the trip departing at 8:30 a.m. and returning at 8:30 p.m.

— Approved a list of sports supplemental coaching contracts: Brian Spahlinger, junior high wrestling; Bill Watson, high school wrestling assistant; Taylar Jordan, assistant varsity volleyball; Caitlyn Davis, freshman volleyball; Hannah Brothers, eighth grade volleyball; Crystal Miller, varsity girls assistant basketball; Kyler Woodward, junior varsity girls basketball; Dennis Bowers, eighth grade girls basketball; Stephen Grimm, varsity assistant boys basketball; Kyle Exline, JV boys basketball; Jaret Dowling, freshman boys basketball; and Fernando Dechellis, eighth grad boys basketball coach. Board member Kip Dowling abstained from the vote on the coaching contracts.

Prior to the vote, Treasurer Greg Sabbato noted Spahlinger and Watson each donated their full $3,000 supplemental contracts last year, which was half of the $12,000 needed for the mats for the wrestling room. Fundraisers in the program covered the remainder needed.

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