BARNESVILLE - The Barnesville Exempted Village Board of Education held its first meeting of the 2010-11 school year on the night of the district's first day of school.
"Everything seemed to go pretty smoothly," Superintendent Randy Lucas reported at Thursday's meeting. Other than a few minor bus issues, the day was relatively problem free, he said.
Elementary school parents might have noticed a new student drop-off policy that morning.
Four parking spaces near the cafeteria entrance on North Broadway Street were reserved for parents and guardians dropping off students. The new routine is intended to decrease the number of students crossing the street.
"It went pretty well," Lucas said. "We've had some parents express concern about students' safety in the past. We felt this was a much better system."
Lucas also clarified details of the district's recently passed student-athlete, drug-testing policy. The board voted in favor of the policy at its Aug. 5 special meeting. All students participating in sports will be tested at the start of each season, beginning with this fall's student-athletes.
The policy includes students participating in all Ohio High School Athletics Association sports. Although cheerleading does not fall under the OHSAA, cheerleaders are subjected to the drug-testing policy as well. Lucas said there had been some confusion about whether cheerleaders would be
"Under the definition of athletics, most districts consider (cheerleaders) covered," Lucas said.
He also explained that second tests will be administered if the first test is inconclusive or there is any reason to believe it was tampered with. Additional tests will also be given randomly and if there is reasonable suspicion.
"If (a student) fails the first test, (they) suffer the consequences," Lucas said. Those consequences include partial or full suspension from the sports season, depending on the student's participation in a substance-abuse program.
The board approved bread and milk quotes for the 2010-11 school year. The district will be receiving its milk from Lakeland Foods, a change from last year's agreement with United Dairy. Nickles Bakery's will be providing the cafeterias with bread.
Lakeland provided a more competitive bid this year and the district is pleased to keep its business local, King said. "Our recommendation has always been on the lowest quote we've received," he said.
The board approved three six-month certificates of deposit with WesBanco Bank.
"We keep going with the six-month (certificates of deposit) hoping the (interest) rate goes up," King explained to the board. "We don't want to get locked in a (longer term agreement) with a low rate."
Several donations and grants for to the elementary playground were approved
The school board approved several donations and grants for the elementary playground. Donors included: Belmont Grange; Aaron, Angela, Erin and Jude Hannahs; BHS Class of 1975; Hissom's Gas and Glo; Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home; and Kemp Insurance.
The board also accepted donations from: the Barnesville Community Foundation for the Back To School By Way of the Pool event; the Belmont County MRDD for the special education department; and the Class of 1955 for a display case at the high school.
"We want to thank everyone for their generous donations," Treasurer Matt King said.
School board member Robert Miller suggested the district offer funds to the playground project. The $50,000 project has raised about $15,000 with grants, donations and a fundraiser. The suggestion will be discussed further with elementary school principal Angela Hannahs, who is spearheading the playground project.
The board approved a $61,000 purchase order for an academic intervention program from school specialty intervention. The program is funded with Title I American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.
"It's a computer-based fundamental skills intervention program in the areas of reading and math," said Becky Hannahs, director of student services. The program serves fifth- through eighth-grade students and students with disabilities during school hours.
In related action, the board issued a certified one-year limited contract to Lacy Gallagher as middle school Title I teacher.
Luke Johnson will not be returning as high school wrestling coach this year. The school board accepted his resignation at the August meeting.
"I want to thank Luke for (his many) years of service in wrestling. ... I really appreciate it," said Jeff Crosier, high school principal.
Also at Thursday's meeting, the school board approved:
The board will next meet Thursday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at the middle school.
