BELOIT Readying for move to new school

A public dedication for the new school building is set for Dec. 14.
By JoANN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BELOIT -- West Branch Schools Superintendent Louis Ramunno was not far off back in August when he estimated a November move into the district's new K-8 building south of the high school.
Ramunno said at Thursday's board of education meeting that the district should be cleared for occupancy of the building by Nov. 30 so that pupils and staff can move into the building the first week of December.
The elementary section will house kindergarten through fifth grade while the middle school will house grades six through eight.
Additions to the high school -- a new media center and administrative offices -- are scheduled to be completed by Jan. 30.
The building and additions are part of an Ohio School Facilities Commission project.
A dedication for the K-8 building is planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 14 in the new school's gymnasium. The event is open to the public.
Grants received in 2003
The board also heard from Dr. Scott Weingart, administrative assistant, who gave a summary of the grants the district has received during 2003.
Weingart outlined nine grants and programs that brought $300,000 to the district for the 2003-04 school year. In addition, Weingart said the district received 50 slightly used computers from the Jo-Ann Fabrics and Blackhawk Computer programs as well as funding for a modular technology lab for the new middle school.
Ramunno commended high school principal Joseph Knoll and assistant principal Thomas Thompson for the high school's excellent rating on the district's 2002-03 Local Report Card.
West Branch was among 631 schools across the state to receive the distinction.
The board also recognized Treasurer Karen Elsner for being chosen a finalist for treasurer of the year by the Ohio Association of School Business Officials.
Resignations, hirings
The board accepted the resignation of Mona McNeely as Goshen Center Elementary secretary and then hired her as administrative secretary to replace Marsha Whinery, who recently retired.
The board also accepted the resignation Karen Stepo, Beloit Elementary Title I instructor, approved parent Susan Bluhm as a volunteer swimming coach, and added several people to the substitute lists for teachers, custodians and aides.
Approval was given for the seventh- and eighth-grade band to perform May 18 in Cleveland at the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Board member Sam Martig will serve as delegate to the Mahoning County Career & amp; Technical Center Advisory Board.