School board seeks improved parking

Fourth-graders wrote letters praising the school swim program.
By AMANDA GARRETT
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city school district is making steps to improve parking in the fall for sporting and other events, Superintendent Kathryn Hellweg said.
The district is making the move as construction begins on the new high school, Hellweg said at Tuesday's school board meeting.
The schools will be using a shuttle service to carry people back and forth from a lot on Dana Street, she said.
The district also is working with W.D. Packard Music Hall and Convention Center for more parking, Hellweg said.
Other business
In other business, the board handled these matters:
Authorized a hazardous materials abatement plan for Lincoln Elementary School.
Approved the beginning of bidding for the Classroom Facilities Project as part of new school construction.
Entered into a one-year, $95,205 contract with North East Ohio Management Information Network of Warren for computer services.
Appropriated $110,883 for the Safe and Drug Free Schools/Mentoring Program. The program provides mentoring services for fourth- through eighth-grade students.
Voted to dispose of several fixed assets. The items, which are mostly computer equipment, will be either scrapped or auctioned.
Accepted several hundred dollars in gifts from area companies for the Warren G. Harding High School Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon was June 1 at the Avalon Inn and Resort, Howland.
At the beginning of the meeting, Hellweg also read letters of thanks from students who had participated in the fourth-grade swimming program.
"When we go to the lake next summer I can teach my brothers how to swim," one letter read of thanks read.
Swimming is a crucial skill for children, Hellweg said.
"With the municipal pool and other things not in service, this program becomes more critical," she added.
The swimming program will be expanded to fifth-graders in the fall.
The board will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. June 29 to vote on appropriations for the upcoming year.
agarrett@vindy.com