LISBON — A local driver’s education program is expected to receive more state funding as it continues to grow.

Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC) Superintendent Marie Williams said in her report to the board of education recently that 35 people have earned their driver’s licenses through the program so far and that 140 more are expected to complete the program.

ESC Treasurer Lucas Cooper also announced during the April board meeting that the Ohio Department of Public Safety has increased the local ESC drivers education grant from $88,110 to $115,100.

Cooper also reported the ESC had a clean audit and has been awarded the Auditor of State award.

According to minutes of the ESC meeting posted online, Cooper said that only 17 percent of the more than 5,900 entities audited by the Auditor of State’s office receive the award.

On another matter, Williams praised Salem High School student Luke Davis for earning the Franklin B. Walter award. Davis was recognized at the state for the honor and also the local Heads Above the Rest breakfast which was recently held. Williams said Davis plans to attend the Ohio University to study journalism.

In other matters during the meeting the board approved:

The resignation of Rilynn Hiltbrand.

Paying several people stipends for the Heads Above the Rest program with $300 out of the Sharon Trotter Keys fund in the remaining $2,500 out of the general fund.

Intermittent FMLA for Ashley Travis starting on March 3, 2025, and Crystal Baker starting on April 10, 2025.

Science of Reading stipends for Amy Lowry and Tessa Young.

The Teacher Education Cooperation Agreement.

The next meeting was set for 5 p.m. May 20.