EAST LIVERPOOL — School Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig told the East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education during Thursday’s meeting that over the past 30 days the district has “demonstrated resilience, achievement, and continued forward momentum despite challenging winter weather conditions.”

Ludwig told the board the district was success in navigating multiple severe weather events including Winter Storm Fern with student and staff safety always a priority and the district managed to seamlessly transition to remote learning and the implementation of the blizzard bags after using all tier calamity days.

Ludwig acknowledged John Freeman for his work in leading the buildings and grounds crew for their long hours of work in extreme temperatures to treat the grounds.

He commended the high school students who recently presented at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, the high school and junior high school musicians for their performances at the OMEA District 8 Honors Band and choir.

Solo and ensemble students received 12 superior and eight excellent ratings, and the new ELHS indoor drumline will be making their debut this weekend at their first competition at Deer Lakes High School.

Ludwig said career and technical programs remain strong and students will be participating in SkillsUSA regional and state competitions in February.

Middle school students will be exposed to career tech programs in February.

For sports, he recognized the girls wrestling team, the junior high cheerleaders for their second-place finish at the OHSCCA Best in State Cheer Competition, the swimming team and announced that students “Kamryn Yanni and Kodie Fennell have committed their academic and athletic pursuits at Wheeling University and Bethany College. Kamryn will be playing volleyball and Kodie will be playing soccer.”

Rehearsals have begun for the spring musical “Footloose.”

“Even during winter disruptions, Potter Pride has remained strong. We continue celebrating accomplishments across academics, athletics, fine arts, and service,” Ludwig said. “We remain grateful for the strong partnerships and community support that uplift our students and schools.”

Regarding finance matters, board members approved the financial reports as presented to them, board membership to OSBA at a cost of $9,548 and the Food Service Spend Down Plan.

For personnel, the board accepted and approved the resignation of Kobe Allen, food service, effective Jan. 12 and also approved supplemental personnel, classified substitutes, classified appointments, and a salary adjustment for Keri Chapman who has completed her master’s degree that will be effective the first day of the second semester for the current school year at $66,508.57annually per a negotiated agreement.

Per the superintendent’s request, the board approved a senior class trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, May 6-7 by charter bus; the transportation cost for the prom which will be held on April 25 at the SNP J Recreation Center in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania, and the purchase of a skid steer for the horticulture and landscaping career tech program.

Board members voted to enter an executive session for personnel matters to discuss the nine applicants for the vacant board seat. They returned to an open meeting with no action taken. Interviews for the board seat are expected to take place next week.

The East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Westgate Administration Building. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com