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LISBON -- The Robert Bycroft School will soon see a new gymnasium floor for the first time since it was constructed in 1968, after the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) approved $30,000 for the floor's installation during its regular meeting Wednesday.
CCBDD Superintendent William Devon said he expected the project to be fully funded through the state, although the floor needs to be replaced no matter what. The floor will be painted with gray and "Comet Blue" lines, he said. The main building of the school originally opened in 1967.
"I think it's going to be very nice," Devon said. "We have to do it."
In other business, the board approved setting the estimated cost threshold for requiring a competitive bid process for projects at $75,000, in line with Ohio law. Any projects less than $75,000 will not require a competitive bid process.
"Right now, our policy is under $30 (thousand)," Devon said. "The state of Ohio went to $50,000 a few years ago and now is $75 (thousand)."
The Northeast branch of the Arc of Ohio's Family Advocacy Conference will be held on April 26th at Avalon on the Lake in Canfield.
The Arc of Ohio is offering scholarships to families and caregivers to cover the cost of attending and to "give families the opportunity to take advantage of getting updated information in the (developmental disabilities) world," a CCBDD Facebook post reads. "If anyone is interested, please email Jennifer Bionci at jbionci@att.net or call her at cell (330) 507-3240."
The board abolished a vacated second instructor assistant position for the preschool program, which will essentially be replaced by a floating instructor position approved last year.
"We still have the same staffing, which I like because nobody's laid off. It gives us great flexibility," he said of the floating position.
Also on Wednesday, the board approved the allocation of $6,000 for an all-day off-site staff in-service day on Aug. 20. Devon said a speaker is being brought in for all the staff, which will probably cost $2,000.
A $10,000 donation to the Columbiana County Special Olympics was approved by the board. The only time the board hasn't donated to the organization was "during the pandemic," Devon said.
"It helps them a lot," Devon said.
The board approved the annual renewal of its membership in the Ohio Self Determination Association at a cost of $690.
"We've been members for years," Devon said.
Another annual membership approved was for the Family Children First Council at $5,500, which is mandated by the state.
Devon reported that the clients beat the staff 58-50 at the annual CCBDD staff versus Comets basketball classic on March 28.
The St. Clair Township Police Department will host an Autism awareness event at the Beaver Local track from 2-5 p.m. April 28.
Devon said it will be an enjoyable event for kids, with inflatable bouncy houses and the "touch a truck" feature, a favorite of his grandson.
"Young kids just love it," he said.
The next meeting of the CCBDD will be held at its offices in Lisbon at 4 p.m. May 15.