Annie Lee to return to classroom
The district will pay $27 an hour to the nurse accompanying the injured girl.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- Annie Lee, a 13-year-old girl left a quadriplegic when struck by a car in 2004, will begin Howland Middle School next week.
Superintendent John Rubesich told the school board Monday that Annie, who uses a wheelchair, underwent a trial run and did very well.
Annie will attend her first day of eighth-grade classes Tuesday, and her "spirits are great," Rubesich said.
The superintendent told the board that Annie will be transported by Community Bus Services Inc. and will require a full-time nurse.
Rubesich said the district will pay $27 per hour for her nursing care from the time she gets on the bus to go to school until the time she returns home.
The nurse will have 15-minute breaks at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., during which an in-house nurse will take over the duties.
Rubesich said that if Annie becomes tired during the day, she will be returned home by bus.
All of Annie's classes will be on the first floor to begin. However, some classes may be held on the second floor as the year goes on.
When Annie needs to attend classes on the second floor, Rubesich explained, the district has installed a $17,000 wheelchair lift she can use.
Annie's goal is to become a pharmacist.
Her condition
Rubesich said Annie cannot speak and blinks her eyes to communicate yes and no. She also uses a computer operated with a mouthpiece to communicate.
Annie will remain in the gifted program she was in before her injury, taking advanced language arts and math.
Rubesich said Annie has been able to keep up with her fellow pupils with in-house tutors.
Rubesich said Annie will also require a speech pathologist and physical therapist. He explained that the district will keep track of the expenses through the end of the year, when it will be determined if the school will be reimbursed for some of the expenses.
Annie was injured Aug. 16, 2004, when she was crossing U.S. Route 422 at North Road and was hit by an SUV.
Police say that Irving R. Russ of Risher Road, Warren, was the driver. Russ is awaiting trial in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court on charges of leaving the scene of an accident, tampering with evidence and conspiracy to tampering with evidence.
In other business at its meeting Monday, the board:
Hired Karen DeFrancesco as a teacher at Howland Springs Elementary School.
Hired Bill Beasom at a part-time physical education teacher at the middle school pending the outcome of a background check and drug screen.
Accepted the retirement resignation of Patricia Rogers as a receptionist. She has been employed with the district since 1976.
Sought applicants for a bus driver. The part-time position pays $10.50 the first year and $11 the second year. Those interested should contact Jeff McVickers, head of transportation, at (330) 856-8212.
yovich@vindy.com