NEW WATERFORD — High School athletes at Crestview Schools will still need to achieve a 1.25 grade point average (GPA) in order to participate in sports this year.

The board voted 3-2 not to change their current policy of requiring a 1.25 GPA with a schedule of at least five credits, despite the option currently being offered by the Ohio High School Athletic Association that would allow all students to be eligible for falls sports this year.

Superintendent Matthew Manley said after the meeting it was a tough decision for the board. The change would have allowed all students to be eligible in the fall only, but require students to meet standards in the first grading period in order to stay eligible for sports in the second grading period.

Crestview’s 1.25 GPA requirement is already higher than the 1.0 GPA required by other schools, which would be all D’s in five classes. Manley said the 1.25 GPA requirement means students need at least one C and four D’s. The OHSAA usually only requires students pass a minimum of five one-credit classes, but announced a temporary suspension of that requirement in late May.

In other matters:

— The board took the next step toward the new building construction, approving the program requirements and schematic design documents for the project to begin through the expedited local partnership program. Additionally, the board approved a $12,015 waterline change order to Yarian Brothers.

— Should next school year have too much inclement weather, the board approved the use of blizzard bags for snow days after the first five days for days six, seven and eight if necessary.

— The board approved a large list of donations, including $500 from the New Waterford Fire Fighters to the Turf Fund and $1,370 in total donations from 15 separate donors toward the Garwood Memorial, including a $500 donation from Graft Electric.

— There will be no increases to lunches, breakfasts or ala carte prices this year.

— The board approved the resignations of Kimberly Barlow as the high school family and consumer science teacher and Thomas Belan, custodian.

— The board approved employing Alexis Gates, elementary teacher; Kaitlyn White, high school instructional tutor; Zachary Forney, technology assistant; Beth Lentini, cafeteria server; and KeniJo Wood, high school cafeteria cashier. The board approved supplemental activity positions to Bradley McClaugherty, freshman football; Alyson Salmen-Bable, varsity and JV fall sports cheerleading; Richard Dickinson, high school brass instructor; Sara Kauffman, color guard instructor; Jonathan Kinkead, high school varsity boys head soccer coach; Riley Mackall, junior varsity boys soccer; Lily Marr, seventh and eighth grade fall sports cheerleading advisor; Evan McCreary, high school battery percussion instructor; Cynthia Beveridge, high school volunteer cross country coach; Scott Murray, high school volunteer boys soccer coach; Ty Holland, middle school volunteer football coach and Miranda Barnett, middle school volunteer volleyball coach.

— The board went into an executive session to discuss confidential information related to an application for economic development.

— There will be a special board work session and meeting at 5 p.m., Aug. 2. The board will tour the district buildings prior to the start of school at 5 p.m., Aug. 11, starting at the elementary school. The August meeting will follow at 6 p.m., Aug. 11 and meet the team is currently scheduled at 7 p.m., Aug. 11.