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Building damage reported as school board reorganizes

T-L Photo/RICK THORP Michael Fador, left, and Mike Jacob, right, are sworn in as vice president and president, respectively, of the St. Clairsville-Richland City School District Board of Education as Superintendent Walt Skaggs looks on during Tuesday morning’s regular meeting.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Members of the St. Clairsville-Richland City School District Board of Education received a bit of bad new Tuesday morning as they met to reorganize and begin conducting business for the coming year.

The board learned that one of the district’s buildings was damaged by a recent storm during a session that started with Mike “Chops” Jacob and Michael Fador again being sworn in as president and vice president, respectively, of the board. The board members participated in an organizational meeting prior to the regular meeting. There, Fador and Bill Zanders were sworn in for new terms on the board.

As the five board members took their seats, Superintendent Walt Skaggs took a few moments to laud them for their work in appreciation of School Board Recognition Month. Each board member received a certificate, which was placed by their nameplate and picked up as they sat down for the meeting.

“Each member we have brings a different set of skills to the table,” Skaggs said.

Skaggs also had good words for district staff members and students for how they handled Monday’s active shooter drill, which involved all district buildings.

In his report to the board, Skaggs said the high school roof sustained $10,000 worth of wind damage during a recent storm. He said repair estimates have been turned in to the district’s insurance company. Also, two catch basins and drains have been installed on the east side of the elementary building. He said that should alleviate recurring flooding issues in the building’s basement.

Under personnel, the board approved Janelle Bilyeu, Lorie Groh, Elise Otto and Alicia Parsons as certified substitutes and Gwen Palmer and Jessica Snyder as classified subs. Jason Garczyk was approved as a substitute science teacher for the remainder of the school year.

The board approved the new position of substitute health aide with an RN certification with a pay rate of $15 per hour.

During the public portion of the meeting, parent Melissa Carroll asked the board to consider adding a bus stop at A to Z Preschool. Board members said they would take a serious look at the matter.

The board accepted several donations recently. They include: Belmont County Safety Council (hydraulic jack for bus garage, $500); Unified Bank (high school Close Up, $750); Lifetouch (elementary principal fund, $2,509.80), Jenkins Sporting Goods (middle school art account, $2,981); American Legion Post 159 (high school band, $1,000); Red Devil Club (middle school basketball, $3,712); The Saints Club (high school athletic department, $9,000); Middle School Wrestling Club (middle school athletic department, $50); Swan’s Sport Shop (high school golf, $105.39); Undo’s West (high school girls basketball, $398); and Chipotle (swim team, $244.48).

The following made donations to high school vocal music: Myser & Myser, $498; American Legion Post 583, $500; St. Clairsville Rotary, $500; and St. Clairsville Vocal Music Boosters, $4,500.

The following made donations in memory of Dorothy Blatnik: Bruce & Leslie Stiles, $20; David & Ruth Monaghan, $100; Mary Bajis, $75; Greg & Lisa Kazmirski, $25; Frank & Brenda Blatnik, $100; Michael Blatnik, $100; Paul & Clara Knauss, $100; Jack & Dorothy Piehl, $100; Daniel & Lynn Mickey, $15; Pam & Perry Jones, $50; Courtney Piehl, $50; Kevin & Kay O’Grady, $25; Beatrice Piehl, $50; and Ronald & Diane Ley, $25.

The district will not have classes Monday, which is Martin Luther King Day.

The next board meeting is slated for 7 a.m. Feb. 12 at the board office.

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