Salem Junior achievement chief touts program’s success so far
By LARRY SHIELDSSALEM - Junior Achievement, newly implemented in the school district this year, completed 22 programs worth about $11,000, according to program director Dave Basalyga.
He advised the school board on Monday of the topics used in the pilot program noting volunteer leadership was "very strong."
He said personal financial skills, taxes, community jobs, election systems and bank systems were just part of the curriculum and acknowledged the help of board President Steve Bailey and Vice President Cathy Hergenrother, who each participated in JA.
In other business, Superintendent Lou Ramunno recognized former athletic director Ray Steffen for being named into the NEO Athletic Administrators' Hall of Fame.
Ramunno said Steffen could move up the line to state and national honors.
He also recognized the All A honor roll, all 2009 retirees, the state 4X200 meter relay team (state qualifiers), and Tom Mather and the transportation department for having all 18 buses pass inspection for the fall.
Ramunno also reported that replacement of the gym bleachers was under way and a new drive was cut at Southeast School to facilitate safety.
Buckeye Elementary Principal Dennis Niederhiser made a short presentation on the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in the district.
Implemented at the school, classroom, and individual levels, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed to reduce bullying, prevent future bullying, and improve relationships at every level.
Niederhiser said the well-known program, now 35 years old, will be tied to Salem Pride, a district spirit day that will be held each Friday to call attention to and to reduce bullying.
"It will be part of Quaker Pride Day each Friday," Niederhiser said after distributing red and black Quaker Pride T-shirts to board members. The letters of "Pride" stand for politeness, respect, integrity, discipline and excellence. He said all the staff will receive training on Aug. 21.
In other business, Treasurer Jill Rowe said finances were "running pretty much in line." She said her office was wrapping up the school year.
The general fund showed a May balance of $2.1 million while the permanent improvement fund held at $1.1 million.
She said May of 2009 and 2008 were "pretty much unchanged."
Rowe noted expenditures were up some because May was a three pay month.
Hergenrother asked Rowe why the cafeteria insufficient funds line item was so high and Rose said they were trying to collect it.
A private company "should be in place" she said, explaining it will pay up front and then try to collect the money.
In other business, the board hired 15 elementary summer school teachers, and hired18 people for other summer help positions; approved a continuing contract for Jeff Andres, an active teacher; and accepted the resignation of Lorraine Pallo, a Southeast Elementary School cafeteria employee effective June 5.
Also, Debra Erath was hired to work five day in the guidance office and Guidance Counselors Nancy Crum and Tracy Bosheff were approved for one-day extensions and Bosheff was approved for a 12 week FMLA leave beginning about Aug. 20 through Nov. 9.
Roger Zeigler was also approved as a 12-week senior high school guidance counselor substitute at $165 per day.
The board also accepted a check from Bob and Linda Sebo for $4,052 for preparation of the gym for the 2009 graduation ceremony and a check for $600 for girls basketball camp; and a $250 check from George Morris for planting at Southeast School.
Also approved were LPDC stipends for Lori Thayer, Pam Jay, Dennis Niederhiser, co-chairman, Kay Piero, co-chairman and Carol Hrvatin (eight months).
Depository agreements with Charter One Bank and Huntington Bank were also approved for investing interim funds.
Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net
