WESTERN RESERVE School board

The Western Reserve Local Board of Education met Thursday and:
Adopted a memorandum of understanding with the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency to allow the district's buildings to be used in emergencies. Superintendent Charles Swindler told the board at its meeting at the high school that the agency is asking all school districts in the county to become part of a countywide emergency system.
Agreed to pay Myers Equipment Corporation of Canfield $9,230 for a snow plow to be placed on a 2003 Chevrolet F350 truck that it purchased from Stratton Chevrolet of North Benton in November.
Hired Allison Brothers Inc. of North Jackson to haul trash at a rate of $90 per large container per month throughout the school year, starting in February. The company guaranteed the price for two years.
Noted that the district will have a one-hour early release day next Friday.
Announced two Red Apple Awards, which are given to students, teachers, and district residents for volunteer work or outstanding accomplishments. One went to Ellsworth Elementary teacher Michele Berg for receiving National Board Certification. Berg is the fifth Western Reserve teacher to receive national certification. Swindler said he believed the district has the highest percentage of nationally certified teachers in the county. Members of Girl Scout Troop 422, all pupils at Western Reserve Middle School, were also given Red Apple Awards for planting flower boxes in the district.
Approved Matt Truitt of Berlin Center as an unpaid assistant Ski Club adviser.
Discussed requirements for coaching. Swindler devised guidelines for people who want to coach or act as unpaid coaches. The requirements state all coaches must have CPR certification, the state's Pupil Activity Supervisor Validation, and pass background checks. Board members voted 4-1 to pass the guidelines "in spirit" as they want the opportunity to make minor revisions to them before publicizing them in the district's January newsletter. Board president Robert Hermiller dissented, saying he saw no need to rush the process because coaches wouldn't be hired for spring sports right away.
Accepted donations totaling $18,371.