Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Struthers schools have been designated a School of Promise a fourth time.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- The board of education approved a $19.3 million 2005-06 total appropriations budget, including $14 million for the general operating fund, from which employee wages and benefits are paid.
Treasurer Michael Evanson said at Tuesday's board meeting that the $14 million general fund reflects a $1.4 million reduction from the 2004-05 school year. Most of the cuts were in personnel, he said.
The school district is in a fiscal emergency, and its finances are being overseen by a state-appointed Financial and Supervisory Commission.
Special recognition
The board also learned that Struthers schools have been designated a "School of Promise" by the Ohio Board of Education, the only traditional school district in the state to be so designated four years in a row, said schools Superintendent Sandra J. DiBacco.
The School of Promise program identifies and recognizes schools that show continuing progress in ensuring high achievement for all pupils. Criteria includes performance in mathematics and English and a certain percentage of disadvantaged pupils, among other things, DiBacco said.
It also was announced at the board meeting that the high school marching band won first place in several categories at the recent Louisville, Ohio, band competition. The band was first among four bands in its class, based on enrollment, in music, guard line, percussion, marching and maneuvering, and general effect.
The 90-member band is under the direction of Edward L. Stiles Jr., who is assisted by Sandra M. Stiles and Tricia Colburn.
alcorn@vindy.com