Southern Local board awards administrators with new contracts
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SALINEVILLE -- Southern Local's Board of Education extended the contract of Superintendent Tom Cunningham as they look toward bringing back more students for next school year.
"I'm overly excited to keep on working at Southern Local," Cunningham said. "I love the school. I love the community and I think things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to being here for five more years. I appreciate the board's support."
Cunningham received a $5,000 salary increase and will be paid $100,000 per year for the next five years to continue leading the school district.
Additionally, Junior and Senior High Principal Jay Kiger was granted a three-year contract and also talked about enjoying working for the school district after the meeting. Kristy Sampson, the Federal Programs Coordinator/Administrator, was approved for a three-year contract as well.
With teachers and staff receiving their second vaccinations for COVID-19 on Thursday, school will be remote for the day and Friday will be an off day giving the staff a chance to recover in case of any reactions.
Southern Local is beginning to move past the pandemic, planning some events for later this spring that are a little more normal. Cunningham said they are beginning to survey families to determine how many are going to still want an online option for the fall and how many will be returning for in person learning.
Elementary Principal Rich Wright said there are currently 65 elementary students still online, but many are calling about having their students return to in person learning for the fourth nine-weeks of the school year.
Bob Shansky also informed board members about plans for the upcoming prom, which will be held in a socially distant manner with food served to students so no one touches anything. The April 23 event will begin with a grand march up at the football stadium giving them the benefits of being outdoors with lots of space to socially distance. The meal will be in one gym inside the school and the DJ will play in another gym.
Seniors will be able to attend for free, while younger students will pay $25 per person.
Planning is also happening for graduation on Friday, May 28. The ceremony also will be at the football stadium with a rain date on Saturday, May 29. The ceremony will allow the class to graduate together, although spread apart on the field.
In other matters:
-- Three-year supplemental contracts were granted to Kathy Randolph, cross country coach; Shansky, volleyball coach; and Wright, football coach.
-- The board approved a one-year contract for Karleigh Davis as athletic trainer and approved Siera Liolios as a substitute teacher.
-- The board approved the retirement of Mary Ann Szalkowski, who served as a multi-handicap aid.
-- An agreement was approved with LLA Therapy to provide occupational therapy for students requiring that service through July 31, 2022.
djohnson@mojonews.com