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LISBON -- The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD) took time at the start of the board's August meeting to wish a happy retirement to two longtime employees on Wednesday.
Kathy Timmons, who spent nearly three decades as a teacher at Robert ByCroft School, and Phil Carter, who last worked in behavior support and previously served as the production manager at EDI-Central workshop, recently retired from their respective positions.
"We are honoring 56 years of experience tonight," CCBDD superintendent Bill Devon said. "Kathy has been with us for 28 years and she has been a joy to work with. Me and Phil started three days apart. He has worked with me since the day I started. We've had several different jobs together, and he will be sorely, sorely missed. They both will, but we wish them a happy retirement and thank them for their service."
The board also announced during the meeting that it was awarded a $50,000 grant in partnership with the Mahoning Board of Developmental Disabilities to serve out-risk youth. The board received word they received the grant just before the start of Wednesday's meeting.
In other announcements, the board reported it was awarded a full, three-year accreditation from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities with the best accreditation score in program history.
In other business, the board approved the bus routes for 2023-2024, the cost of school adult lunches to $4.64 and new job descriptions for early childhood positions as well as creating the position of Early Childhood Team Leader. The board passed a resolution to enter into an agreement with Power4Schools-endorsed electric supplier Engie Resources. The agreement gives the board the best rate of 9.6 cents per kilowatt. Approval to use instructor assistants as substitutes in a teacher's absence was also passed by the board and it was reported that the board's policy and personnel manuals will be ready to be presented and approved at the October meeting.
Also on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent Josh Martin presented the board with a replica jersey of the ones worn by the MLB Draft League Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The jersey, which included the CCBDD logo on the back, was worn during the team's Developmental Disabilities Awareness Night on July 21.
Devon reminded the board of the 2nd Annual Ability Walk & Roll to be held Aug. 26 in Niles and encouraged everyone who can attend to do so.
"It's a really nice event. If you've never been there, you should try to go," he said. "They do a lot of great things and it's a really great day."
The event is to raise awareness and encourage inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. The evening will include a special, modified walk and roll around Eastwood Field. Other activities include games, face painting, balloon art, exhibits, complimentary refreshments, and a movie under the stars. Families are welcome to bring a blanket to experience Super Mario Bros Movie on Eastwood Field or relax in stadium seating. Additional food and drink concessions will be available during the evening for purchase. Visit fairhavenfoundation.networkforgood.com for more information.
selverd@mojonews