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BELOIT -- West Branch students will continue to start school after Labor Day next year.
The school board Wednesday night approved the 2021-2022 school calendar that includes the first day for students Sept. 8, last day June 2 and graduation May 29.
The board also considered a calendar that included the first day for students Aug. 31, with no school Sept. 3 and Labor Day, last day May 26 and graduation May 22.
Community members in the past have pushed for a student start date to remain the traditional Wednesday after Labor Day, allowing students to participate in the Canfield Fair without missing school. Past boards have been split on the decision, however following the wishes of the community over recommendations of a faculty committee.
The board unanimously approved the calendar for next year with no discussion. There were also no community members who spoke at the meeting, which was streamed live on Facebook as well as open to the public to attend.
In other business, the board accepted a bid of $88,673 from Myers Equipment for a conventional 72-passenger school bus, with partial funding through the Ohio School Bus Purchase Program.
The board also accepted donations of $5,000 each from Butech Bliss and CTM to the STEM Program, $2,250 from the West Branch Athletic Boosters for the HUDL Program, $100 anonymously for superintendent's staff appreciation and $590 from various donors to West Branch Athletics in memory of Barb Bates.
Additionally, the board agreed to transport open enrollment students if they are on an established bus route beginning the next school year. Acting Superintendent Micki Egli made the recommendation to help generate interest in kindergarten registration.
Also at the meeting, Egli recognized the board as part of the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA)'s School Board Recognition Month. The board includes Mikki Kanagy beginning her 10th year, Karen Rice and Courtney Stryffeler beginning their fourth year, Aaron Hawk beginning his second year and Bryan Hobbins fulfilling a term through 2021.
"I would like to thank each of you for your service to the school district community and look forward to another year of moving our district forward," Egli said.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in the high school auditorium and on Facebook Live, preceded by a work session at 5:30 p.m.
khowell@salemnews.net