During its Tuesday meeting, the Youngstown Board of Education:

During its Tuesday meeting, the Youngstown Board of Education:
Heard that community/charter schools cost the district about $15.4 million this year in the form of state funding dollars sent to those schools for pupils who otherwise would have attended Youngstown schools. Treasurer Carolyn Funk said the amount is up from last year's total cost of $10.3 million and represents roughly 2,000 students. Among the costs is a $941,000 amount that goes to the Unlimited Classroom, new community school operated by the Mahoning County Educational Service Center at the Lincoln Place residential facility for troubled and neglected youths placed there by courts from across the state.
Authorized the district's athletic departments to join the Steel Valley Conference, which also includes Beaver Local and Warren schools and parochial schools in Warren and Youngstown. The new athletic schedule will be in place for spring sports in 2005 and for other sports in 2005-06.
Approved construction documents and authorized the bidding of the new Williamson Elementary School. Construction costs are estimated as follows: general trades, about $3 million; plumbing, $339,000; heating, ventilation and air conditioning, $969,000; electrical, $656,000; fire protection, $91,000; casework, $154,000; and landscaping, $20,000.
Presented a resolution of commendation to Superintendent Benjamin L. McGee, who is retiring, effective June 30, after 32 years with the district, seven as superintendent. Tuesday was his last meeting.