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LISBON -- The Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC) Board of Education congratulated Superintendent Anna Marie Vaughn, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) Awards by the ESC Governing Board at this year's Capital Conference.
Also at the conference, Columbiana County Port Authority's Penny Traina and the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board's Marcy Patton were presented with Outstanding Leadership Awards.
"I wanted to share with you both Penny Traina and Marcy Patton were very excited about the fact they were nominated and they were both very appreciative, as was I, for my nomination and I would like to thank the board for that," Vaughn said.
Vaughn said winning the award, named after Carol E. Austin, was a special honor to her with the award's namesake being one of the first women to become a superintendent at an educational service center.
"When I started attending OESCA meetings, which was probably when I was assistant superintendent, there were two females in the superintendents for Ohio education service centers. It was Carol Austin and Luann Harold. They were the only two," Vaughn said. "It was interesting that I went to an executive committee meeting on Monday and it is amazing sitting around the table now and looking at the number of female superintendents at the ESC's. And I happen to know there is another one coming on board in July and that will also be true of Marie (Williams) staying on board. And of course, great things are being done."
Vaughn announced her retirement last month. Williams, the Columbiana County ESC current assistant superintendent, has been pegged to replace Vaughn.
In announcement news, Special Education Director Cheryl McGrath shared that the Thanksgiving Feast at the Opportunity School was a great success. She also thanked Pete Amato for a $500 donation for the event and the staff for taking the time to prepare the meal.
"It was a wonderful event and the kids all enjoyed it. I loved seeing their appreciation and their excitement for getting together and having a family-style meal," she said. "The kids are surprised, elated and just appreciative. I know sometimes they get a bad rap, but they are good kids and they appreciate everything they have."
In agenda items, the board approved a public hearing on the request of Technology Consultant Joe Warchol to be rehired following his retirement. The meeting is set for Dec. 20.
"I have worked for Joe as a teacher and as a consultant here. He has done just unbelievable things for technology in Columbiana County schools," board member Marilyn Parkes said. "I think it's really important that we keep him as long as we possibly can. He does a tremendous job. I can't speak highly enough about how much I respect the job that he has done here and will continue to do."
The board also approved several recommendations of the treasurer, including the financial statements, totals bills to be paid ($1,216,186), the 2024 snow plowing contract with Rhodes Excavating, memorandums of understanding with the Way Station and Community Action for the homeless consortium and an occupational and physical therapy contract with Kent State University.
Upon recommendation of the superintendent, the board approved a contract with the Campbell City School District and the ESC, a HSA payment of $3,000 out of the Family Liaison Fund, Lindsay Brothers for student teaching, the ESC annual Work Solutions Report and Outcome Plan for 2023 and an addendum to the contract of Lucas Cooper to reflect fiscal and administrative agent responsibilities for Mahoning Valley Community School and Columbiana County Family and Children First Council.
In personnel matters, the board accepted three resignations while filling 16 classified personnel positions and approved the retirement of Sandra Deville.
The board took a moment to observe a moment of silence for Tuscarawas County Schools following the tragic bus crash on Nov. 16 just outside of Columbus. The bus was carrying Tusky Valley students and chaperones to the Ohio School Boards Association Conference. Killed in the crash were seniors John Mosley and Jeffrey Worrell, both 18, sophomore Katelyn Owens, 15, teacher Dave Kennat, 56, and parents Kristy Gaynor, 39, and Shannon Wigfield, 45.