MCDONALD SCHOOLS Newsletter to inform of renovations

The construction project in village schools is in full swing.
McDONALD--A newsletter will be mailed Aug. 17 to let parents know what changes they will experience as the high school undergoes extensive remodeling. Classes begin Aug. 27.
Treasurer Thomas Radabaugh said Thursday the newsletter will explain to high school students where they should report for class and what changes they can expect.
The work is part of a $17 million Ohio School Facilities Commission project that includes building a new elementary school, renovating the high school and eventually demolishing the grade school.
Junior high classes and some high school level classes are expected to be displaced intermittently at the high school as the remodeling goes on.
Ground has been cleared for construction of a new elementary school behind the high school football stadium on Seventh Street.
Radabaugh also said the newsletter will explain to residents how they will be able to get in and out of the football stadium, because the parking area behind the stadium is gone.
Increases: In other action Thursday, the board approved a $17.6 million appropriation for fiscal year 2002, which starts July 1 and ends June 30, 2002. This includes an increase of 5 percent in the general fund, which is $4.7 million, which allows for a 3.5 percent increase in salary and benefits and a 1.5 percent contingency for extra costs outside the construction budget for the school facilities renovation and building projects, the treasurer said.
Also approved was a 25 cent increase in the cost of lunch to $1.25 at Roosevelt Elementary; extra milk is increased to 30 cents. The lunchroom lost $40,000 last year, and is operating at a deficit, Radabaugh said, adding the administration hopes to climb out of the red through the increase.
The board hired under one-year contracts Laurie Crisan as a half-time Spanish teacher to fill a vacancy caused by a resignation at the high school at $15,454 a year; and Angela Sanson at $30,197 a year as high school comprehensive science teacher, replacing M. Barry Clute, who is retiring.