EAST LIVERPOOL — Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig told board members during Thursday’s meeting of the East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education meeting that chronic absenteeism is currently at 25%, and while that number may seem high it actually reflects a 10-point improvement from this point last year and that all buildings are showing steady gains, reinforcing the district’ Proud and Present Focus.

He also said over the past 30 days the district has seen strong student achievement, with increased engagement and continued districtwide progress.

Student achievements include senior Renee Wright signing with La Rouche University where she will continue to play soccer, Kamryn Yanni representing the district at the Columbiana County Business Advisory Council and the Potterbots Robotics at Westgate currently holding eight of the top 10 competition standings.

Ludwig said that the second-grade concerts showcased early student confidence and performance skills; the choir and band holiday concerts reflected strong musical growth and community support, and the East Liverpool Marching Band earned top honors at the East Liverpool Holiday Parade. He also noted that tryouts are underway for the Thespian Troupe 319s spring musical, “Footloose.”

Ludwig commented that the Toys for Tots program helped over 500 students, the cereal domino challenge resulted in over 1,600 boxes of cereal for the Salvation Army and The Brightside Project Sunshine Bus promoted connection, encouragement and well-being for nearly 1,800 students.

He also noted that Kristin Bostocky, intervention specialist, received the WKBN Creative Classroom award and the WYTV Hometown Hero award.

Board Member Tamar Cooper spoke on the Governor’s Merit Award which is a new program that will award students in the top five percent with $5,000 for college for four years and guaranteed enrollment at the main campus for universities or colleges in Ohio and students in the top 10 percent are guaranteed enrollment at any of the satellite campuses. She noted this is a new program, and there is a lot of information to be reviewed and that the district needs to make sure they have a solid way of tracking the top five percent students.

Regarding financial matters, the board accepted and approved the financial reports as presented to them, a contract renewal with Access for internet services, a contract renewal for fire protection controls with Johnson Controls, the increase by Food Services to increase the prices of adult meals to $3 for breakfast and $5.05 for lunch effective Jan. 5 and The OSBA contract for policy services at a cost of $2,784.

For personnel, the board approved the resignations of Richard McCauley, custodian, effective Dec. 4 and Rayette Eltringham, paraprofessional, effective Dec. 9.

They also approved hiring classified substitutes, supplemental employees and volunteers.

A salary adjustment for Natalie Dattilio, who has completed her Master’s Degree and will receive an annual salary of $72,781.08 was also approved.

The board gave approval to consider a settlement agreement involving Whitney Taylor-Washington. Ludwig said he was unable to provide comment on the settlement until the settlement was finalized.

A trip for the Band to Disney World in March, 2027 was approved and along with presenting Scott Lewis and Lisa Vittoria of The Brightside Project with a plaque recognizing them for helping East Liverpool Students by bringing the Sunshine Bus to each of the district’s school buildings and providing students with books, toys, snacks and hygiene products

The next board of education meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Westgate Administration Building

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com