Austintown schools hire new administrators, extend others’ contracts

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Two new administrators joined the team at Austintown schools while five others received contract extensions.

Richard Zimmerman, a former board member who co-founded the school robotics programs, will serve as the district’s supervisor of operations and facilities. The board approved a 25-month, $51,551 contract at Tuesday’s meeting.

Alexis Weber, a former regulatory compliance analyst for the J.M. Smucker Co., replaces Tascin Brooks as the district’s food-service director. Earlier this year, Brooks accepted a position with Youngstown City Schools as a food-service coordinator. The board approved a 26-month, $42,501 contract for Weber.

The board extended contracts for Jeremy Batchelor, assistant superintendent; Benjamin Baldner, assistant principal at Fitch High School; Timothy Kelty, assistant principal at Austintown Elementary School; Janet Polish, director of district programs and curriculum for grades K-5; and Tom Ventresco, district technology coordinator.

All were three-year extensions except for Kelty, who will receive a one-year extension.

Harold Porter was the lone board member to oppose the contract extensions. He said it was ridiculous Kelty didn’t receive a three-year contract as well.

“I want accountability and consistency across the board,” Porter said.

Superintendent Vince Colaluca was not available to comment.