CHAMPION SCHOOLS Board changes policy on pupil transportation

CHAMPION -- The board of education says it won't provide transportation to Champion pupils who attend five private schools because it would be impractical and costly.
Although Champion children attending Notre Dame School Queen of All Saints in Warren, Victory Christian, Warren Christian, Word of Life Christian Assembly and St. Mary & amp; Joseph in Newton Falls are entitled to transportation under state guidelines, the board says it won't provide it because the cost of equipment, maintenance and personnel would be exorbitant and transportation for that number of pupils wouldn't be feasible.
Instead, the board will compensate parents an amount equal to the reimbursement it receives for those pupils from the state so that families can provide their own transportation.
The board noted that payment will be computed on a daily rate and paid to the parents after parents send verification of attendance for the school year.
Honors: The board honored band director Tom Brucoli and his assistant, Josh Cokrlic, this week for Champion Middle School's being the only middle school in the state chosen to perform at the Ohio Band Director's Conference on Dec. 1 at the University of Akron.
Donna Zuga, director of special education, also was recognized for the $20,000 state grant she has been awarded for deaf studies. The grant will be distributed at $10,000 per year for two years.