School board remains frugal

The board submitted its five-year forecast to the state.
By JoANN JONES
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BERLIN CENTER -- Members of the Western Reserve Local Board of Education are cautiously optimistic about the district's financial situation since the passage of a 5.6-mill operating levy Nov. 2.
The board, however, remains frugal in its decision-making.
After a lengthy executive session before dealing with personnel issues late this week, board members voted to hire only head coaches for two varsity sports -- baseball and softball. No assistant coaches will be hired for those sports.
Paul Henderson, a teacher and a resident of the district, was rehired as head baseball coach at a salary of $4,553. Joe Serensky Sr., also a district resident, was rehired as softball coach at the same salary.
District resident David Harris Jr. was named as a fifth- and sixth-grade basketball coach at a salary of $1,518. District resident David Johnson was approved as an unpaid assistant ski club adviser.
Other action
In other personnel action, the board approved Amanda Strong, an Ellsworth Elementary School teacher, as a mentor for the current school year at a salary of $1,104. The board also added several people to the certified and classified substitute lists.
Board members also approved the state-mandated five-year forecast as presented by treasurer Carol Brobst. Like many school districts, the forecast shows a slight deficit in the third year because potential state funding increases cannot be projected.
"We have enough reserve to get through this year, and the passage of the levy will certainly help," Superintendent Charles Swindler said.
The board also presented awards to three students.
Jordan Mountain and Kyle Nesbitt received the district's Red Apple Award for their community work in helping to get the levy passed. This award is given to staff, students, and community members in recognition of outstanding service to the district.
Jason Lude, a high-school freshman, received a Young Artist Award. His artwork will be displayed near the superintendent's office for the second grading period.