HANOVERTON — United Local school board members met Friday morning for two-and-a-half hours for their special work session prior to this week’s regular meeting.

In addition to the district’s finances as well as the agenda for the Nov. 13 regular meeting, high school principal Todd Huda expressed interest into going to the SmartPass system districtwide.

While the United Local elementary school already has service, he recently viewed a demo at East Liverpool and would like to add it too by January.

According to the SmartPass website, www.smartpass.app, more than 3,000 schools use the software program to track their student activity, so their whereabouts are known at all times during the school day to maximize their learning time.

SmartPass pricing for schools ranges betweena $2.50 and $5 per student excluding another $799 per campus if the district adds the Data Concierge service, which includes reports that can be used to take action.

The district is estimating it may be cost around $2000, but officials currently are awaiting a quote from the company.

Both building principals also discussed implementing new incentive programs.

The high school PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) group is working on coming up with a program where students can level up to earn different incentives with the ultimate goal to reach the top level.

At the elementary school, principal Mary Alice Sigler said their new program would concentrate on rewarding students with good attendance. The NBA, also known as Never Been Absent, program will allow students to earn rewards.

Sigler said that their Golden Tray award, which focuses on recognizing good cafeteria behavior, began last week in the lunchroom and looks promising.

In addition to discussing the contents of the upcoming regular board meeting agenda and the finances, the board also learned that an open house to say farewell to their old school will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025.

Treasurer Melissa Baker said that the district is still undergoing its audit from the state and confirmed that many of the changes board members are seeing on agendas are due to recommendations from auditors.

In addition to their regular board meeting held at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the high school media center, members will hold the following: special meeting to discuss the new building, 4 p.m. Dec. 4; work session, 7 a.m. Dec. 6; and their December board meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com