West Branch BOE discusses upcoming solar eclipse
January saw two honored staff members at the West Branch Local School District, including mechanic Mark Sanor. Sanor’s dedication, and contributions to the district were described as both boundless and invaluable, often serving as a substitute bus driver in addition to his other duties. Egli said that the district would not be where it was without Sanor’s efforts, joking that the students “literally wouldn’t be here,” if not for Sanor. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)
January saw two honored staff members at the West Branch Local School District, including high school teacher Kristen Tice. Tice’s students champion her positive influence, noting that she “has made learning fun and achievable even for those that struggle with it,” and that she is not at the high school just to teach but “to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of her students.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)
January saw two honored staff members at the West Branch Local School District, including mechanic Mark Sanor. Sanor’s dedication, and contributions to the district were described as both boundless and invaluable, often serving as a substitute bus driver in addition to his other duties. Egli said that the district would not be where it was without Sanor’s efforts, joking that the students “literally wouldn’t be here,” if not for Sanor. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)
January saw two honored staff members at the West Branch Local School District, including high school teacher Kristen Tice. Tice’s students champion her positive influence, noting that she “has made learning fun and achievable even for those that struggle with it,” and that she is not at the high school just to teach but “to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of her students.” (Photo by Morgan Ahart)
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BELOIT -- The West Branch Local Board of Education discussed the district's response to the upcoming solar eclipse in its January meeting.
During her report, Superintendent Micki Egli discussed the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8. Egli explained that while the area is not in the direct path of the eclipse it is on the fringe, and that all Stark County schools are canceling both classes and event programming on that day, while most Columbiana County schools have elected to continue classes as normal that day and Mahoning County schools are at "about a 50/50 split."
Egli said that her primary concern is that the estimated time of the eclipse in the area at 2:30 p.m. when students will be loading buses and preparing to drive home, and the heavy traffic that previous eclipse events, like the one in 2017, had brought to the path of eclipse.
"The amount of traffic these events generate is immense," said Egli.
While Egli was concerned about potential traffic issues she said that she was not ready to make a recommendation regarding potential cancellation of classes at this time, citing concern over the district's number of snow days. Egli and the board ultimately agreed to postpone a decision on the matter to a later date.
Egli also took time to thank the board members for their contributions to the district and its students, noting that January is board of education appreciation month. Egli said that as part of the celebration each board member had chosen a book that was influential in their childhood to be distributed to classes throughout the district.
"For everything you do, for the district and for the children, thank you," said Egli.
The board also approved several financial matters, including the purchase of a 72-passenger bus shell and chassis, which were bid through the Ohio Schools Council at a cost of $128,495.
The board also approved donations totaling $65,155.94, the bulk of which was comprised of a $50,000 donation by an anonymous donor, to expand the district's wood shop.
Other donations included: $651.94 for a sound system for the pre-school, $1,500 for tools and supplies for the wood shop, $554 for delinquent school fees, and $450 for delinquent lunch accounts by anonymous donors; $2,000 for the High School Principal's Fund by the Damascus United Methodist Church, $5,000 to delinquent lunch account and middle school backpack program by Alliance Elks Charities, and four file shelving units valued at $5,000 by the Salem Area Visiting Nurses Association.
Other financial matters approved included membership in the Fair School Funding Plan at a cost of 30 cents per student, for a total cost of $525.
The board also approved the calendar for the 2024-2025 school year, with the first day of school set for Sept. 4, while graduation is scheduled for May 23, 2025, and the last day of classes is scheduled for May 30, 2025.
The board also approved several administrative and personnel matters.
Administrative matters included: continued participation in the College Credit Plus program; and membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2024-2025 school year.
Personnel matters included: the resignations of Athletic Director Mike Helm, cashier Misty Hughes, cook's helper Tracy Dearth, Cheryl Ficco from the girls soccer coach position, and Rachelle Ring from half of the Power of the Pen Supplemental for the 2023-2024 school year; the hire of high school teacher Courtney Watt, aide Morgan Hutton, cashier Tracy Dearth, transportation secretary Misty Hughes, and cook's helper Katie Robinson; the approval of substitutes Kip DeShields, and Carson Graham; the January 2024 professional day assignments; athletic supplementals; half the middle school Power of the Pen supplemental to Cindy DeRienzo for the 2023-2024 school year; and Stacy Aldridge as a parent volunteer for Academic Challenge.
The meeting concluded with an executive session for the discussion of personnel matters with no action to follow.
The board of education will meet next at 6 p.m. Feb. 21.