New Riegel plans open house
By Bonnie Daniel, CorrespondentNEW RIEGEL - Open house at New Riegel School is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, with student schedules available to seventh-graders through seniors. A teacher work day follows the next day and students are expected Aug. 26.
During the board of education meeting Monday evening, Principal David Rombach announced an anti-bullying workshop, conducted by Jim Bisensus, is to be presented to teachers, parents and students shortly after the start of the school year. There is to be a follow-up providing training for teachers and students. A survey to examine the results will be taken at a later date.
Superintendent Elaine Nye reported construction of the system's new bus garage is progressing and should be completed before school begins. She also noted parents will be receiving completed medical emergency forms this year. Any changes are to be made, signed and the form returned.
A lengthy discussion on the district's new drug testing program ensued, with positive and negative opinions. The drug and alcohol-testing program for the 2009-10 school year involving grades 7-12 was approved by a 4-1 vote.
According to Nye, the state school superintendent is to make recommendations to the state assembly by the end of 2009 regarding an extended school year. She said all teachers will receive training about child abuse, substance abuse and positive youth development.
Nye also said Jared's Law is in effect, but the health department's enforcement has been repealed. Inspections are to be made twice a year of cafeteria areas but districts should police themselves to stay in compliance.
Treasurer Jane Schalk distributed revenue reports to board members comparing the last two years' budget figures. She spoke about a couple of changes from the state.
Any school district with an "excellent" rating is not subject to the funding rules set up by the state except for all-day kindergarten reporting rules.
Another says there will be no charge for instructional school fees for any student participating in the free-lunch program.
In other matters, the board:
* Established Title XI B stimulus, Education Stabilization and Title I stimulus funds.
* Approved a one-year $300,000 certificate of deposit for nine months at Sycamore First National Bank earning 1.5 percent interest.
* Approved student cleaners for 2009-10 school year to be compensated at the Ohio minimum wage.
* Moved to compensate Jean Cossey, Brian Backur, Jennie Conner and David Rombach $15 an hour for serving on the Local Professional Development Committee.
* Moved to compensate Saturday school monitors $50 for four hours.
* Moved to compensate intervention assistance team members $10 an hour.
* Approved Liz Conley as volunteer volleyball coach for the 2009-10 school year.
* Approved the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center lists and updates of substitute teachers and aides.
* Appointed Darlene Mack as the official delegate to the Ohio School Board Association annual meeting of the delegate assembly Nov. 9, with Rod Williams as alternate.
