Austintown schools recognize two programs

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

School officials honored those involved with school programs and approved long-term substitute teachers.

The Austintown Board of Education this week recognized Judge Theresa Dellick; Michele Mercer, a social worker; Laura Lonardo, director of female programming, and Laura Blanco, assistant director of female programming, for their Girls Circle program. Superintendent Vincent Colaluca said Judge Dellick started the program and it is in its second year.

“It’s a mentorship program with a small group of females that are selected to help build self-esteem,” he said. “They help them before they arrive before Judge Dellick at juvenile court.”

The board also recognized Marine Corps veteran James Skok and board member Ken Jackubec, also a Marine veteran, for their work with Toys for Tots in the schools this year.

The board approved eight teachers as long-term substitutes in the district. “When you have young teachers, they start families. ... We prepare for having those substitutes” during maternity leave, Colaluca explained.

The Austintown Board of Education’s first meeting of the new year will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 at Austintown Middle School. A work session will take place one hour before the meeting starts.