HOWLAND SCHOOLS District to join in seeking grant

The school district will know this summer whether the grant is approved.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- The Howland, Niles and Liberty school districts will apply for a $1.5 million federal grant to better prepare students for the work force.
Superintendent John Rubesich said during Monday's meeting of the board of education that the deadline for the grant application is Wednesday.
The three districts have formed the Northeastern Ohio Business and Education Coalition to seek the money from the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor.
Rubesich said U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, has agreed to sponsor the application.
If the districts receive the money that would be split equally, they would collaborate with businesses to determine what they need to better prepare students for work.
Covelli Enterprises has agreed to work with Howland schools to develop what is needed to prepare students.
"As go the schools, so goes the community," Rubesich said.
Students, the superintendent explained, would be encouraged to take the most challenging courses they possibly can.
"This will teach them not to take the easy way out," Rubesich said.
"They will be taught good work ethics," added board member Scott Lehman.
Rubesich said the district will know whether they get the grant, or at least part of it, by summer.
Other actions
In other business, the board:
UAdopted a school wellness policy that requires the district to develop and implement wellness policies that address nutrition and physical fitness activities for the 2006-2007 school year.
UAccepted the retirement of Susan Mangino, who has been a school bus driver since 1973. Rubesich said the district is in need of substitute drivers because of extended leaves and illness.
UAccepted the retirement resignation of head night custodian Cecil Gore, who has been with the district since 2000.
yovich@vindy.com