T-L Photo/KIM NORTH ELLIOTT DEAN, center, is the new systems administrator for the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District. Hired during the monthly school board meeting Tuesday, Dean is a 2018 graduate of Bridgeport High School and will graduate with honors from Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus in May. Dean is flanked by Technology Coordinator Lisa Clark, left, and Superintendent Brent Ripley. Dean will begin his new duties Thursday.

BRIDGEPORT — The Bridgeport Exempted Village School District welcomed one of its own back to the “Bulldog Nation” Tuesday night during the monthly board of education meeting inside the schools’ cafetorium.

Elliott Dean, a 2018 graduate, was unanimously approved as the new systems administrator. He replaces Frank Ferrel, who has taken a position with the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center.

“I’m still attending classes and will graduate in May,” Dean said. “I loved being here in school. I loved all the faculty and staff. Everyone was great. I feel right home.”

Dean will begin his duties Thursday. His contract will expire Aug. 17.

He was also given a one-year contract for the 2020-21 school year at $32,000-plus, according to Superintendent Brent Ripley.

As systems administrator, Dean will be in charge of the technology department.

“We have a great technology department here. I will get to help the students with iPads and any technical issues that may occur,” he said.

Dean will be receiving an associate degree in applied business and information technology.

“He went through our tech program here at Bridgeport and we were very impressed with his interview, his maturity,” Ripley said. “We think he’s all-in for Bridgeport and that he will be a good hire.”

In other news, Dorothy Vannest of the ECOESC reported that the district has again received a five-year 21st Century “After Hours Academy” grant.

“There were 235 grants written and only 34 were granted,” she noted. “Of those 34, only 11 were middle schools, so we were very excited and proud.”

She said the Bridgeport group, which consists of fifth- through eighth-graders, includes 15-20 students a night. They meet from 2:45-5:45 Monday through Thursday.

“It’s an amazing grant. It pays for supplies, field trips, salaries, club, etc. …, but not food,” she stressed. “But the children each receive a snack before they leave each night.”

Technology Coordinator Lisa Clark told those in attendance about the district’s app.

“We’ve had a great response. It’s very helpful and informative for the community, the parents, teachers and students,” she pointed out. “We had 26 users when we first started, and now we have 1,471.”

The board of education also recognized four individuals as Students of the Month for November/December. They were freshman Karlie Apostolec; sophomore Juliana Nelson; junior Christian Waterman; and senior Spencer Echemann.

Supplemental contracts were approved for Billy Timko (assistant baseball coach); Nick Koval (JV baseball coach); Peri Powell (assistant softball coach); Mike DeLeonardis (JV softball coach); Megan Totterdale (volunteer assistant softball coach); Fred Ray (head football coach); David Nelson (junior high football coach); Zach Winland (junior high football coach); and Taylor Porter (junior high cheering coach).

The next regular monthly board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 18 at the board office.