School board accepts grants for 2 programs

One provides for after-school learning and the other for a learning study.
By TIM YOVICH
Vindicator Trumbull Staff
HOWLAND -- The board of education has accepted nearly $50,000 in grants to help improve pupil learning.
A $27,500 grant from State Farm Companies Foundation will be used by 30 volunteer teachers in a teacher-pupil partnership to determine how pupils learn best.
The kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers will put what they have learned into practice with about 750 pupils they teach.
Superintendent John Rubesich said that Louise Caldrone, district curriculum director, applied for the grant, and five local State Farm Insurance Co. agents sent letters of support to their company. The five were Bill Anderson, Joe Bottiglieri, John Campolito, Mike Guerrieri and Stan Cranston.
"The students, more than anybody, will benefit," Rubesich said.
The board also accepted a $20,000 grant from the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Education, Civic and Cultural Foundation.
The grant will be used to focus on an after-school learning program that will be known as "Tiger Pride Learning Camp."
The camp will begin in late January and extend through the summer," the superintendent explained.
Financial decisions
In other business at its meeting Monday, the board:
UAgreed to join the Ohio School Boards Association for $5,062 for 2006. District Treasurer Tom Krispinsky said this figure is a 13 percent increase over this year's dues. Rubesich said the association does provide some legal advice to him, but the district will have to determine at some point whether the cost outweighs the benefits.
UApproved Select Insurance Co. to provide property insurance in 2006 for $23,394. Krispinsky noted that the district paid $31,000 this year for the same coverage.
UApproved Indiana Insurance Co. as the vehicle insurance carrier in 2006 for $22,861.
USet the reorganization meeting for 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at the administration offices at the middle school.
yovich@vindy.com