T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Martins Ferry City School Board members David Bruney, from left, Jon Nagel and Chuck Probst hear reports about electronic payment procedures Tuesday.

MARTINS FERRY — The Martins Ferry City School District is preparing for the coming Christmas break that starts Friday.

Students will be returning to school Jan. 3 when classes resume.

Superintendent Jim Fogle commended the Ayers Elementary second grade students for their participation in a tree decorating contest hosted by Quality Rentals in St. Clairsville to benefit the Belmont County Animal Shelter.

“They collected a vast amount of supplies for the animals,” Fogle said. “They’re very appreciative of that. Each one of our students in the second grade will receive a gift from Santa.”

Fogle also said the Ayers Stuff the Bus toy drive was a “huge success” and thanked Principal Nick Stankovich, staff, parents and community donors.

“In the last week, that bus, it’s overflowing. Those toys will be used for several of our students,” he said. “We had several businesses in the community that came up big. We got phone call after phone call and took the little bus around and picked up toys and donations that were made throughout the community.”

Fogle said Stuff the Bus technically ended last Friday, but anything brought before this Friday will be accepted.

“Anything if we’re not able to arrange for pickup, we’ll take around and deliver next Monday and Tuesday,” Fogle said.

He added that about 60 district children will receive gifts as a result.

Fogle also reported looking into several questions raised by parents about the electronic payment system MySchoolBucks. He said there is a $2.50 one-time program fee for users of the account if they made a deposit in November or December. Those who made a deposit in October bypassed the fee.

“MySchoolBucks is what’s used with our operating system. Our operating system is everything from our computers to our scanners to the program that tabulates all the fees, and it’s reconciled monthly,” Fogle said. “I think it’s customary these companies do this.”

For the month of November, $15,452.25 was deposited.

Students still have the opportunity to pay for meals using cash.

In the event a deposit was made and the student graduates, the remainder can be withdrawn by the account owner or transferred to another student if there is a sibling in the district.

Also, board member Jon Nagel reminded the public to exercise caution when picking up students as winter sets in.

“Just be mindful what conditions of the grass. I know it’s not ideal to park far away,” he said. “Treat it like your own property and try to avoid wet spots when you can. I know parking is limited and it’s not always convenient, but any help will be appreciated.”

In addition, Fogle reported 16 new doors will be installed throughout the interior of the school buildings during Christmas break. The replacement is part of a floor renovation project that has been completed.

Fogle also commended board member Nick Stankovich for his work on the board for the past 12 years. He said Stankovich had a long and unbroken career in the school system before being elected to the board.

“Mr. Stankovich has been a loyal and dedicated employee, from being a teacher, a coach, assistant superintendent, superintendent, then following as a board member, in addition to going to school here his entire school-age life,” Fogle said. “I can’t thank him enough for his service and dedication throughout the years.”

He added that Stankovich played a leading role in promoting a bond issue that allowed for the construction of the district’s hilltop campus at Ayers-Limestone Road.

Stankovich, who was absent from the meeting Tuesday, was one of five candidates seeking two seats on the board during the Nov. 7 general election. Board member Chuck Probst retained his seat with 1,109 votes; new board member Allen H. Marangoni, who received 737 votes, will take office in January. Stankovich captured 712 votes, Bill Suto 671 and Jeremy Shrodes 543, according to the Belmont County Board of Elections.

The board’s reorganizational meeting was set for 5 p.m. Jan. 8, to be followed by the regular board meeting.