Trending
SALINEVILLE -- Contracts were approved for staff and administrators during the Southern Local school board meeting on Nov. 14.
Officials agreed to extend five-year pacts for district Treasurer Greg Sabbato, EMIS Coordinator Whitney Tsesmilles and administrative secretary Tammy Phillips while Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Brinker's agreement was amended to reflect pay levels across Columbiana County school districts.
Board President Kip Dowling praised Sabbato for his work over the last decade, which included operating within a staff wage freeze over the last few years.
"Greg does a phenomenal job for the school district," Dowling said. "It's been three years since he's had an increase."
"Greg has done a fantastic job with the district's finances and I appreciate our working relationship and collaboration," added Superintendent Tom Cunningham. "He's very deserving of a five-year contract."
Sabbato has been part of Southern Local for a total of 13 years, with about four spent as a substitute teacher then faculty member prior to holding his current post. Meanwhile, Cunningham recognized Tsesmilles and Phillips, who have respectively served the district for eight and 26 years, for their dedication to the schools.
"Whitney and Tammy both have been great employees for a number of years and it's nice to award their contracts for their hard work in the district," he said.
Sabbato also noted Tsesmilles' assistance with the EMIS program, saying it has effectively brought funding to the district for operations and educational programming.
Regarding Brinker's amended deal, officials said the move simply brought her salary in line with other administrators throughout the county.
In other personnel matters, the board approved substitute teachers Abigail Cline, Steven Treadway, Ryan Koontz and Amanda Vernon, nurse Rebecca Frischkorn, paraprofessional Natasha Grim and cafeteria worker/secretary Meeghin Sloan for the 2023-24 school year; rescinded Athletic Director Bob Shansky's previously approved contract for a technicality because the new union agreement did not include the post, but there is no change to the job; approved a one-year contract for Tiffani McAfee as a three-hour elementary cafeteria worker; approved staffing agreements for E-Rate Coordinator Marjorie Hiller, technology representative Bobby Westover and certified health workers Paige Compton and Jayce Sloan at the Utica Shale Academy; named Aiden and Brian Spahlinger assistant varsity football coaches for the 2023-24 school year; gave supplemental contracts to Greg Sabbato and Julie Dowling for MCTA services and an amended contract for Tammy Phillips, all for USA; awarded a supplemental contract for Julie Dowling for inputting requisitions for the current school year; and approved a stipend for SLHS Guidance Counselor Kenadee Pezzano for work while counselor Alannah Smith is on leave.
Leaders also approved the pending retirement of longtime SLES Guidance Counselor Larry Rudloff at the end of the school year after 49 years of service, saying he has been highly respected and will be greatly missed. Officials also accepted the resignation of paraprofessional Sharon Skeens effective Oct. 23.
In other business:
-- Highlandtown Fire Chief Jeremiah Cole informed the board of the need for some updated permits and procedures in light of a recent boiler system installation, namely a new carbon dioxide detector. Cole said he approved a temporary plug until a permanent one was installed and also discussed shutoffs and lockdown devices around the campus. He also mentioned options for the empty fuel tank onsite, including removal or being cleaned, filled with sand or related substances, but the state fire marshal would need contacted in either case.
-- Agreements were approved with K Company and Greiner for ongoing services with technical support and maintenance of HVAC and water treatment, respectively.
-- Brinker told the board the recent Special Person's Breakfast event was successful and more are planned for the spring, while upcoming events include a Santa's Workshop the week of Dec. 4 and the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 8 from 5-7 p.m.
-- SLHS Principal Rich Wright announced juniors were taking the ASVAB test and Eastern Gateway Community College and Kent State University would hold College Credit Plus registration events. He added that the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports award was a trip to the Tri-State Bowling Alley on Nov. 30 and state testing would start Dec. 15. Wright added that character-building programs such as Anti-Virus and Aiming High were also set in the schools with sessions through the spring.
-- Ron Sismondo, director of curriculum and professional development at the Jefferson County Educational Service Center, presented three $660 Best Practice Grants to SLES teacher Katie Forbes and SLHS educators Amanda Wrobleski and Lori Biser for their innovative programs.
-- The next regular session was set for Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the SLHS Media Center.