WEST BRANCH School board honors outgoing president

BELOIT -- The West Branch Board of Education honored one of its members for 26 years of service to the district.
Board president Keith Martig's term is ending, and newly elected Terry Criss will replace him in January. Martig, who spent the last six years as a member and 20 years in a previous stint, accepted a gift certificate, memento and lifetime pass to West Branch events from Superintendent Lou Ramunno during the board's meeting Thursday.
"I've seen a lot of positive things happen here, and it's been a pleasure to serve," an emotional Martig said.
The president of the teachers union, James Lackey, also presented Martig with a gift on behalf of the teachers.
The board awarded a contract for three new buses to Myers Equipment of Canfield. Each bus will cost $51,323.
Ramunno reported the district had received several grants. Beloit Elementary, through the efforts of teachers Carrie Utt and Chris Lydic, received two $30,000 grants through the Ohio Reads Breakthrough for Literacy program. Goshen Center Elementary teacher Sherri Kitzmiller, whom the board recognized for completing National Teacher Certification, also received a $30,000 grant.
Knox Elementary teacher Bridget Scofinsky helped garner a $30,000 Ohio Community Grant. In addition, she received just more than $4,000 from the Martha Holding Jennings Foundation.