JOHNSTOWN — Ohio Sen. Jay Hottinger talked about school funding, then answered questions from the board and community members when the Johnstown-Monroe Board of Education met Monday. Superintendent Tom Suriano recapped Hottinger’s message, and said the district has three priorities: Facilities, finances and academics, each equally important.
Suriano said the board is approaching the issues in a systematic way, and has formed committees, along with the administration, to work on the solutions.
“We don’t have fat or fluff in this school district,” Suriano said, “and, [in spite of a bleak financial forecast] for the 2006-07 school year no one, whether a classified or certified employee, has lost their job. No programs have been cut.”
Athletic director Mike Carter presented a list of Johnstown scholar-athletes who are going on to college, and relayed a request from the athletic boosters asking the board to name the softball field Dardinger Field in honor of Bob Dardinger. Dardinger is a 20-year history teacher, coach and supporter of the school. The boosters also asked the board to designate the junior high football field the Don Jakeway Field. Carter said Jakeway, a 1942 Johnstown graduate, was a class athlete in high school and college, started the Johnstown Youth league and has been a staunch supporter of the district. The board moved to so designate the fields, and a dedication ceremony will take place in the near future.
The board accepted donations from the Parent Booster Organization for SmartBoards and 75 copies of Microsoft Office for Searfoss Elementary, $1,500 from Thomas Bishop & Associates Inc for the Marjorie Bishop Scholarship fund, and 20 used monitors from EMHT Engineers. The board contracted with Malone’s Lawn Services Inc. for lawn maintenance for 2006; approved an agreement with Newark Rehab Associates for physical therapy and occupational therapy services for 2006-07 at a three percent increase over last year; and renewed participation in the Metropolitan Educational Council Natural Gas program. Treasurer Tammy Woods reported participation in the program has already saved the district 15.4 percent.
The board heard from two parents lobbying in support of the gifted program, and heard highlights from the state FFA convention. The board approved the list of 2006 graduates, pending completion of all requirements, and changed kindergarten for the 2006-07 school year from five half days per week to two full days and one half day per week. Monday will be the half day due to the number of holidays occurring on Monday. The board increased pay-to-participate fees for athletes, band and choir members from $50 per sport or activity to $75. A family maximum has not yet been determined. School fees in general were increased, with the amount of increase dependent upon the grade level and subjects taken.
Four summer custodial/maintenance positions for the summer of 2006 were approved by the board, as were two new elementary teacher positions for 2006-07. Deborah Smith was approved as a nurse substitute, and Carolyn Boesch was granted a supplemental contract to serve as science fair coordinator.
Suriano will hold evening office hours, at the district office, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and June 14. The next regular meeting of the Johnstown-Monroe Board of Education is scheduled for June 12 at 7 p.m. in the Johnstown village council chambers.