WESTERN RESERVE SCHOOLS Board handles financial, personnel issues

A teacher retiring after 30 years was presented the Red Apple Award.
BERLIN CENTER -- Finances and personnel matters occupied most of a recent Western Reserve Board of Education meeting that had been postponed two weeks so treasurer Carol Brobst could have more information available for the district's year-end report.
The board authorized transfers from the general fund into specific accounts to avoid negative year-end balances and approved a resolution renewing membership in the Ohio School Board Association Risk Management and Workers' Compensation Group Rating Program.
The board also approved having the Ohio School Facilities Commission assess district needs. The commission pays about 80 percent toward building renovations and new construction.
The board approved advertising for bids for repair and renovation at the high school. Principal Jeff Zatchok, who was filling in for superintendent Charles Swindler, said the renovation will include removing panels and installing new support beams in the front of the school, as well as creating a store front from storage area at the back of the school facing the stadium.
The storefront will be used by the manufacturing technology class that runs its own T-shirt business.
Award given
The board gave retiring business education teacher Cynthia Baringer the district's Red Apple Award in recognition of 30 years as an educator, 21 in the Western Reserve district.
The award is given to staff, pupils, or residents who have made a significant contribution to the schools.
The board also approved the retirement of administrative secretary Grace Hageman, effective Oct. 1. Hageman has served the district 27 years.
The board rescinded a motion granting teacher Melanie Carfolo a second parental leave of absence for the 2003-04 school year, instead granting her request to return to her teaching position.
The board hired three teachers and rehired Dan Shirley as assistant band director, Mandy Snowden as cheerleader adviser and Michele Berg as cross country coach.
The board also approved hiring four assistant football coaches: John Armeni of Youngstown, John Kaulianos of Canfield, Allen Thorne of Youngstown and district resident Gary Ferrando.
The board also rescinded a motion hiring Judy Gregory of East Palestine as junior varsity volleyball coach, then hired her as an unpaid assistant coach.
The next meeting was changed from July 10 to July 24.