BERLIN CENTER \ School board's actions

Western Reserve Board of Education met at the high school Thursday evening and before adjourning into executive session to discuss personnel, took the following actions:
Adopted the 2003-04 calendar beginning with Aug. 25 and 26 as two professional days for teachers. Students start Sept. 3; winter recess lasts Dec. 20-Jan. 4; spring break is April 9-18; the last day of classes is June 10; and graduation is June 13.
Approved the list of 83 seniors who will graduate at 1:30 p.m. June 8.
Approved the updated five-year forecast that shows the district operating in the black until June 2005. Superintendent Charles Swindler said the Ohio Department of Education has not provided a figure for 2004 state foundation funds, making the district's financial future uncertain. The forecast must be submitted to the state by May 31.
Hired the XiTech Corp. of Pittsburgh to construct a fiber-optic system to connect the district's three buildings with the bus garage at a cost of about $13,000.
Approved 18 one-year and 30 continuing contracts for teachers, and 33 classified employees' contracts.
Approved the application for special-education IDEA-B funding to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Input as to how these funds are spent is encouraged and will be accepted from the general public. Written comments should be addressed to Victor Ugran, elementary principal and part-time director of special education, in care of the school district.
Recognized Ellsworth Elementary kindergarten teacher Cathy Lippiatt with a board Red Apple Award for having been selected Teacher of the Year by the 910th Airlift Wing Consolidated Club, United States Air Force Reserve Station in Vienna. Lippiatt was honored for her dedication to her pupils and district and her professionalism.
Recognized 26 juniors and seniors inducted into the National Honor Society on April 16.
Increased the course credit for marching band students from one to one and a half while leaving the credit for concert band at one.
Approved a resolution in compliance with the Operating Standards for Ohio's Schools Serving Children with Disabilities.
Approved a community service use of a school bus in July, in accordance with state law.
Renewed pupil accident and football insurance with the Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Co. through Love Insurance Agency of Youngstown.
Added five people to the certified substitute list.
Set the next meeting for June 26 to allow treasurer Carol Brobst to prepare the annual financial report by June 30.