Austintown schools receive top award, but board member lashes out

AUSTINTOWN

Austintown schools have been awarded an “Excellence with Distinction” rating by the Ohio Department of Education.

Deborah Cain, District 8 representative of the Ohio Department of Education, presented the award at Wednesday’s board of education meeting.

The achievement is not easily attained, she said.

But board member Harold Porter voiced concern over the postcards sent to local homes informing families of the award.

Porter said that 15,000 postcards were mailed out, and he estimates that postage cost the district about $3,000.

“I know our schools are excellent, and I don’t need some stupid standardized test from the State of Ohio telling me they are, let alone a waste of money postcard,” he added.

Porter continued to list grievances as part of the closing remarks, and criticized schools Superintendent Vincent Colaluca.

Colaluca said it is against the board member code of ethics to criticize employees publicly.

For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.