BLHS band trip highlighted at school board meeting

LISBON — Visitors to the Country Music Hall of Fame got a taste of some local music with the Beaver Local High School band able to put on a performance during a recent trip to Nashville, Tenn.

Band Director Matt Newman gave a presentation of the trip to the board of education this month, noting that the students were also able to tour the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman in addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Students were also able to participate in line dancing, see a local band play and ask questions to learn more about their musical experience, and also take in some of the sights and history of the Nashville area, Newman said.

Also during the meeting Superintendent Eric Lowe wished to thank state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana) for taking the time to visit the district earlier this month.

Lowe said the visit was a great opportunity for school officials to discuss issues impacting schools.

Principals Jake Walgate and Jim Riccardo also spoke briefly about the middle school and high school robotics teams that are heading to Dallas, Texas soon to compete in the world competition.

The teams are two of four in Columbiana County to qualify for the competition.

Board President Brian McKenzie also took some time to share his appreciation for the work that went into the Wizard of Oz spring musical and said the performance was “amazing.”

He also said the recent middle school track invitational was a success and that the ticket booth was a nice addition to the facility.

In other business, the board approved:

–Peters Kalail & Markakis for legal services.

The following as PTO volunteers for the 2022-23 school year: Jared Churchman, Cathy Grafton, Markie Lowe-Grey, Alura Plum, and Amy Taylor.

— Kristin Mercer as food service substitute.

— A continuing contract for Toni Amato, guidance counselor, effective for the 2023-24 school year.

— Fall supplemental contracts for football for the following for the 2023- 2024 school year: Mike McKenzie, head coach on a three-contract; Shane O’Brien, Nick Sesonsky, Bill Jones, Josh Weese, Aaron West, Tanner Johnston, and John Klein as high school assistant coaches; Mike Curran and Austin Mayfield as freshman coaches; and Terry Bowyer, Dakota Wetzel and Justin Flowers as middle school coaches.

–Girls soccer supplemental contracts for Liz Connor, head coach; and Hannah Cochran and Alyssa Culp as assistant coaches.

–Boys soccer supplemental contracts for Joseph Zirillo, head coach; and Shawn Dunn and Devin Miller as assistant coaches.

–Tennis supplemental contract for Richard Saphore as head coach.

–Golf supplemental contract for as John Miller as head coach.

— Cheerleading supplemental contract for Michelle Blair, head coach; Chandler Hoppel, assistant coach; and Tammy Saphore as middle school coach.

— Volleyball supplemental contracts for Drew Gerren, assistant coach; Megan Butler, junior varsity coach; Carmen Pugliano, freshman coach; Kelly Jones, middle school coach; and Cierrah Thurik, middle school coach.

— Terry Campbell as cafeteria worker

— Certified one-year contract renewals for Jodie Bock, Kerry Bettross, Amanda Bowser,Allison Clutter, Dawn Hamilton, Jenny Hanson, Gina Kief, Noah Land, Andrew McCarty, Anthony Meyer, Abby Murray, Shane O’Brien, Jason Plumm, and Kailin Reiner.

— Certified three-year contract renewals for Gianni Colaizzi, Charlie Dolnosich, Carly Flint, Robert Flint, Julie Jennings, Renee McRoberts, Amanda Nelson, Nicholas Sesonsky, Derrick Stickles, and Craig Voorhees.

— Classified two-year contract renewals for Juanita Barber, custodian; Ashlee Heaton, bus driver; Josh Kaufman, custodian; Curt Johnston, bus driver; Brandi Miller, bus driver; Barbara Morgan, cafeteria worker; Jessica Pickens, custodian; Kasie Stevenson, bus driver.

–Confidential three-year contract renewals for Ashley Carson, psychologist (204 days); Kara Kovach, psychologist (204 days); and Debbie Miller, Head Executive Secretary/EMIS.

— Administrative contract renewals for Brianne Hall (214 days) and Beth Anne Rettos (220 days).

— A fall supplemental contract for Josh Ludwig as high school varsity assistant coach for the 2023-23 school year.

— An executive session to consider employment of an employee. No action was taken.