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Beaver board bids adieu to 2 members

CALCUTTA — The Beaver Local school board bid farewell to two veteran board members at this week’s meeting.

Lance Shultz and Bill Croxall were recognized at what was their last meeting as board members before their terms expired Dec. 31. Shultz declined to seek re-election, while Croxall came up short in the Nov. 5 election of winning another term.

“I personally want to thank you for all of the time you gave to the district,” said Superintendent Eric Lowe, who also thanked them for their confidence in hiring him several years ago.

The board members then took turns thanking them, with Greg Eisenhart saying, “I’m going to miss Lance for his experience that’s kept us on the straight and narrow.” He thanked Croxall for his unflagging enthusiasm and school support.

Board President Jerry Barnett praised both for their commitment, as did John Campbell.

“I’ve known both of these individuals for years and I know they wouldn’t do this if their heart wasn’t in it,” Campbell said.

Shultz said many people have told him they view serving on a school board as a thankless job but he never felt that way. “I want to say to each and every one of you, it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve with you,” he said.

Croxall thanked his colleagues for the kinds words and said he was most proud of being part of the board that built the new school complex.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute,” he said.

Lowe presented them with hand bells teachers used to call students to class in the old days.

In related news, the board asked Shultz to continue to serve as their lead person in pursuing funding for a proposed walkway between the school complex and the mini-plaza located across Bell School Road.

Shultz began looking into obtaining funding for the project this year, and he updated the board on his efforts at the meeting. Shultz said he was willing to continue to work on the project after leaving office, and the board took him up on the offer.

In other business, St. Clair Township Police Chief Brian McKenzie reported on recent school safety training exercises conducted at Beaver Local, including an active shooter alert. Each exercise tests plan components, and he said they learn from these exercises how to tweak the plans.

“We get better just from doing these drills,” said McKenzie, who was elected to the board in November and takes office in January.

Lowe reported Paola DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction for the Ohio Board of Education, will visit Beaver Local on Dec. 18. DeMaria was invited to visit Beaver Local while touring other Columbiana County school districts last year but could not fit them in on this tour.

Lowe also reported the annual Carrie Harris Food Drive, held every Christmas season in the memory of the science teacher who died eight years ago, ends on Dec. 16. The goal this year is 11 families, up from eight last Christmas.

In personnel matters, the board named Kiley Rosenleib fall/winter middle school cheerleading advisor and accepted the resignation of Kelley Gaines, who taught mentally handicapped students, affective June 30.

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