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Adults work, students play at bond issue meeting
BY PAM JADUE
Frank Ohl’s student choir and band performed for parents and visitors April 14 in the school’s gym as part of a meeting on the school district’s impending bond issue.
The gathering of parents and school administration was planned as a way to discuss the school bond issue that will appear on the May ballot and showcase the schools music program.
During the question-and-answer session for parents, students were treated to a repeat performance from Elvis impersonator Ronnie Naverra who previously performed at the school as part of a kickoff rally for the school’s reading program.
Similar evenings have been planned throughout the district in an effort to answer as many questions concerning the bond issue as possible before May 4.
Principal Dennis Rice welcomed parents and students explaining that the choir and band have been busy preparing their performances.
“This is an important night because we will have the opportunity to talk about the bond issue and answer questions,” he said.
The choir opened with the national anthem and continued with its unique version of “All Shook Up” under the direction of choir director Dan Forsberg.
The group has been busy preparing for an upcoming performance at PNC Park.
Bond committee member Lori Gavalier invited parents to join the committee in the cafeteria for a question-and-answer session while the students enjoyed an encore performance by Naverra.
Superintendent Vince Colaluca, the board of education members and bond committee members were on hand to explain the bond issue and answer parent’s questions.
“We surveyed Austintown voters after the November defeat of the bond and found that many people didn’t understand what the bond was,” said Colaluca. “A DVD was made to better inform the community.”
The group had a seven-minute DVD prepared for viewing that elaborated on the issue. The passing of the bond would result in the building of two new school buildings with the state paying for 47 percent of the cost.
After the session, parents and students regrouped in the school gym for a concert performance of the school band under the direction of Erin Whistler.