EAST LIVERPOOL — Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig told the East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education during Thursday’s board meeting that the district has much to celebrate as they wind down the 2024-2025 school year.

Ludwig spoke about the Annual Olde Guard Luncheon which had 160 Potter Alumni in attendance and paid tribute to the late Frank “Digger” Dawson.

“While this marked our first gathering without our beloved Frank ‘Digger’ Dawson, the spirit of community and tradition he instilled was very much alive,” Ludwig said. “I want to thank the East Liverpool High School Alumni Association for their continued support, not only of this cherished event, but of our current students and staff. Their presence and involvement continue to enrich our school culture in powerful ways.”

He went on to commend the boys track team which represented the district at the New Balance Nationals Track and Field meet held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“Congratulations to Maddox Roach, Quintin Conrad, Julius Jones, Brody Vulgamore, and Gavin Wright, along with Coach Andy Miller, for this outstanding achievement and for continuing to elevate Potter athletics,” Ludwig said.

The district had four students attend thhe Buckeyes Boys State at Miami University of Ohio: Brody Vulgamore, Elijah Grogg, Brady Dawson and Kodie Fennel.

“I’d like to highlight an exceptional civic opportunity for these students to experience a hands-on simulation of Ohio government, taking on leadership roles and learning about public service, legislation, and civic responsibility,” Ludwig said. “Programs like this are crucial in helping our students grow as engaged, informed citizens and leaders of tomorrow. We are incredibly proud of the way our Potters represented our district on this statewide platform.”

Ludwig also noted that the district’s summer programming, consisting of credit recovery at the high school, K-6 summer learning program and the ELO Pottery Brainery, is underway and that the district is seeing great engagement from both staff and students. He noted that the programs are vital to keeping students connected and progressing academically during the summer.

He offered his thanks to teacher Shoshawna Fineman and board member Roberto Grogg for chaperoning 12 students on a trip to Costa Rica.

Ludwig said the biggest news he had was that the district was awarded a $1.54 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant.

“This funding will directly benefit our 6th through 12th grade students and will provide critical professional development opportunities for our teachers,” Ludwig said. “This grant will allow us to address longstanding gaps in literacy and ensure more equitable outcomes for our students. A huge thank you to the team that worked so hard to secure this transformative funding.”

During the finance portion of the meeting, board members approved the financial report and appropriations resolution as presented to them, authorized the treasurer to make advances, transfers, expenditure adjustments and/or appropriation modification as required to close fiscal year 2025 allow the treasurer to amend appropriations not to exceed the last Amended Certificate of Estimated Resources and bring them to legal requirements.

The board members also approved the establishment of temporary appropriation and adopt temporary appropriations for fiscal year 2026 at 75% of the fiscal year 2025 General Fund appropriations and ending balances for all other funds, the submission of fiscal year 2026 program proposals for Title I, Title II, Title VIB and other State, Local or Federal Projects, the renewal of the OSBA membership, the district Comprehensive Insurance renewal with Ohio School Plan, and to have a utility audit done by Yankel and Associates.

During the personnel portion of the meeting, resignations were accepted and approved for Pam Hill, summer school paraprofessional; Barabara Stover, food service; Chuck Carter, paraprofessional; and Alison Hupp, junior high math teacher.

The board members approved a number of substitutes, supplementals, administrative appointments, certified contract renewals, certified appointments, and event workers.

Also approved under personnel were professional development stipends, the implementation of Ohio Standards-Based report cards for kindergarten through fourth grade, the Master Agreement between the East Liverpool Board of Education and the East Liverpool Education Association, and keeping athletic ticket prices the same as last year

The East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the district administration building. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 24.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com