Board gives approval for track program

NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Springfield Board of Education agreed to allow pupils to participate in a winter track and field program.
Parents of participating athletes will be responsible for transportation and other related costs. The district will not assume any costs.
Program coaches will be volunteers recognized by the board. Criminal background checks will be completed for each volunteer and remain on file with the district, board members said at their Tuesday night meeting.
School officials said the athletes will participate in events at Youngstown State University.
In other matters, the board accepted a 500 donation from the Springfield Local Athletic Booster Club. The money is to be used for the new high school and intermediate school marquee.
School officials also announced all schools will dismiss pupils an hour early Dec. 11 because of a teacher in-service program.