Poland board hears report on Dobbins’ grant

The board also voted to remodel the high school science laboratory.

By Sean Barron

POLAND — The board of education heard a report during its meeting Monday detailing the benefits of expanded and enhanced technology at one of the district’s elementary schools.

Earlier this school year, Dobbins Elementary received a series of special grants awarded through Youngstown State University totaling more than $30,000 for math, science and technology improvements, noted Principal Cheryl Borovitcky.

The money came from a Northeast Ohio Center for Excellence in Math and Science state grant and went largely toward materials and equipment for teachers of grades one through four as well as the art room, she explained.

As a result, Borovitcky said, teachers received laptop computers, projection units, microphones, speakers and devices for students to save their schoolwork.

Also included were wireless interactive boards accessible to the Internet for students in grades two through four, she said.

“Every classroom was touched,” Borovitcky added.

In other business, the board awarded a contract to Schalmo Builders Inc. of Canal Fulton, Ohio, to remodel the science lab at Poland Seminary High School.

The estimate is $44,000, and work is to begin this summer, Superintendent Robert Zorn noted.

Also at the session, school officials voted to seek bids to replace the largest of three roofs at McKinley Elementary School, starting this summer.

The school’s gym has minor leaks, Zorn said, adding that he had no cost estimate.

Board members also approved a field-trip request from high school Principal Joe Procopio and speech coach Jodi West allowing the speech team to take part in the Ohio High School Speech League Tournament Finals.

The event is set for March 4 to 6 in Beechwood, Ohio.