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BOE approves contribution for field updates

NEW CUMBERLAND W.Va. — The Hancock County Board of Education agreed to contribute towards updates at the Edwin J. Bowman Field in Weirton.

The Weir High School baseball team uses the field, and Weirton Parks and Recreations manages it. The park board approached the board about contributing towards a new scoreboard and PA system. The baseball team has used the field for years, and the scoreboard and PA system needs updated.

The total project is estimated to cost between $18-20,000. Joseph Campinelli, Hancock County Schools director of finance, said they are looking into two scoreboard options, a smaller one priced at $14,750 and a larger one estimated around $17,000.

Board member Larry Shaw expressed concerns about a title nine violation, because of the cost. The district provides a field for the Weir High School softball team. Campinelli and board member Danny Kaser, don’t see it being an issue. Campinelli said the other teams have scoreboards and PA systems, but he said they can consult with an attorney. Kaser mentioned the school district maintains the other fields and that is an expense they don’t have at the Edwin J. Bowman Field.

Board member Toni Hinerman asked if they use the field the most, which Campinelli replied they probably do.

The board agreed to contribute $10,000 towards the smaller scoreboard and $12,000 to the larger one. The amount the district pays will be determined by which scoreboard Weirton Parks and Recreation decides on.

Board President Michelle Chappell asked if they could advertise on the scoreboard, she also asked if they could extend their lease agreement for the field due to the contribution. Campinelli said he is not sure if they have a lease agreement, but they can look into it, and create one if they don’t already have an agreement.

In other business, the board:

— Asked second-grade student Cash McMahan and third-grade student Asa Brewer to read their 2019 “When I Grow Up” essays. For being winners they received $500 to a SMART529 college savings plan, and $500 for the school. The two received the money during an assembly held on Oct. 22 where State Treasurer John Perdue attended to present their winnings.

— Approved the JDRIV Career Centers’ strategic plan, which reviews the career center’s mission, purpose of all programs and the overall strategic plan for both the adult and secondary classes. The school board reviews and passes the strategic plan each year.

— Received an update from Robert Steptoe, from Crews and Associates and Sean Garin, an attorney at Dinsmore, on the refinancing of the district’s 2011 bonds. Steptoe explained the market is volatile and they are waiting for feedback form perspective banks on the private bank placement bonds, the district may decide to go with publicly issued bonds but they are looking into private bonds.

— Approved an updated extracurricular coaching salary schedule, the update was for including the Weir High School bowling team.

— Approved the expulsion of two students for 365 days. The board held a special session before the regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the situation that resulted in the expulsion.

— Approved the leave of absences for Ila Hanlon and Kenneth Gunn.

— Approved the resignation of Linda Spencer, part time adult education instructor at the JDRIV Career Center.

— Approved the following coaching assignments; Vance Miller, unpaid wrestling assistant at Weir Middle School; Joe Jimboy, girls track assistant at Weir High School; and Christopher Pugh, baseball assistant at Oak Glen High School.

— Approved Yetta Hoover, pending fingerprints, as an unpaid chaperone/volunteer for Weir High School girl’s softball team.

— Approved the resignation of Jennifer Molish, yearbook advisor at Oak Glen High School.

— Approved Geri Shane, pending fingerprints, for the LNP/Autism mentor itinerant position at Weirton Elementary School from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m, for 200 days/ seven hours.

— Approved Ashley Tharp, pending favorable state testing results, as countywide substitute aide.

— Approved the transfer of Jodi Davis from bus operator 104 to bus operator 94, transportation department 200 days/ seven hours per day.

— Approved the Weir High School softball team’s overnight field trip request to Pigeon Forge, Tenn. from April 8 to 11, 2019. The trip will be booster funded.

— Announced students from Weir High School, Weir Middle School and Weirton Elementary School will be honored for receiving distinguished honors on their state test scores at Weir High School at 6 p.m. on Nov. 13 and students from Oak Glen High School, Oak Glen Middle School, Allison Elementary, and New Manchester Elementary will be honored at 6 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Oak Glen High School.

The next meeting will be in the JDRIV Career Center at 5 p.m. on Nov. 25.

jriedel@reviewonline.com

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