Columbiana Middle School teacher Carlie Beech was honored at the recent school board meeting for assisting a choking student during lunch. From left, Columbiana Police Officer John Amann, Detective Rick Whitfield, Beech, School Resource Officer Rich Burbick and Officer Jordan Bradle. (Submitted photo)

COLUMBIANA — A middle school teacher was recognized this month for her quick thinking that saved the life of a student.

Columbiana School District teacher Carlie Beech came to the aid of a student who was choking during lunch break. Her quick response effort was honored by the Columbiana Police Department and the school district during this month’s school board meeting.

Beech was presented with an award from the police department and also received a Key Clipper Award from the district.

The Key Clipper Award recognizes students and staff in the district who go above and beyond to make a difference.

Key Clipper Awards were also presented during the meeting to Leigh Ann Kocanjer, Darrin Waselich, Valerie Waselich, Leslie Eisenbraun, Brianna Windon and Adam Pratt.

Also during the meeting District Superintendent Dr. Don Mook said that the project to replace all the high school windows has been completed.

Mook said the windows that were originally installed when the school was built were out of warranty, and many were leaking and not fully functional.

“Our maintenance director, Jim Roberts, had been requesting them to be replaced over the past few years. We finally completed the project last month,” Mook said.

It was also noted during the meeting that students ages 16 and up could take advantage of an opportunity to work over the summer as custodial help.

The custodial assistance position is scheduled for 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday from May 30 through Aug. 18 with pay starting at $16.48 per hour.

Those interested should contact Mook at Don.Mook@columbianaschools.org.

Also during the meeting the board approved:

— The five year financial forecast.

— A service contract with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center for the 2023-2024 school year for Special Education Services.

— Authorization to offer student accident insurance for the 2023-2024 school year through the Mills-Holloway Insurance Agency.

— James Fantone and Evan Kenneally as assistant baseball coaches.

— The resignation of Taylor Hall, assistant track coach, effective April 24, 2023.

— Authorizing the treasurer to issue one-year contracts, effective beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, to the following certificated persons: Lindsay Beckett, Carlie Beech, W. Tyler Best, Mark Bush, Rebecca Cuff, Holly Ferguson, Bryce Franken, Jordan Graham, Audra Hatch, Ryan Holmes, Paul Hostetter, Chelsea Kaufmann, Madison Kurtz, Amy Moreschi, Hannah Mowery, Trisha Nord, Stephanie Patrick, Kyle Penrod, Sara Rapp, Kendal Rich, Morgan Sauerwein, Austin Saverko, Caleb Sims, Robert Spaite, Meghan Styen, Douglas Velasquez, Courtni Weinstock, Riley Fridley, Jennifer Fry, Lindsay Gauding

— Continuing contracts for Mayson Bell, Kristin Huber, Amanda Cleghorn and Jennie Moore.

— Non-renewal of long-term substitute teacher Candace Jack.

— A $500 stipend for Leslie Costal, R.N., for management, coordination, dissemination and oversight of school district wellness and health activities for the 2022-2023 school year.

— A first reading of the new policies, revisions and replacements to Board Policy regarding a variety of topics, including but not limited to meeting state performance indicators program, tobacco use, volunteers and graduation requirements.

The next board meeting was set for 6 p.m. June 6.