Springfield board opens buildings for emergencies

NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Board of Education agreed to make its buildings available to the public during emergency situations.
At its meeting Tuesday, the school board agreed to participate in a memorandum of understanding between the school district and the Mahoning County Commissioners' Division of Disaster Service and Emergency Management Agency.
The agreement calls for school districts in Mahoning County to provide areas where residents can be sheltered during emergencies, and where food can be distributed and emergency vaccination clinics can be conducted.
School board members explained this is the first year school district and county emergency management officials have made the pact.
In other news, the school board recognized teacher Lynda Humphries, who recently received certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. As a result of the accomplishment, Humphries will receive $1,000, effective with the 2002-03 school year, in addition to her annual salary.
The school board will have its reorganization meeting at 7 p.m. Jan 14 at Springfield Local Intermediate School auditorium.