EAST PALESTINE — Engineering on a new in-school health clinic and renovations on existing ones are expected to get underway in the next few weeks, East Palestine Superintendent James Rook said at the district’s school board meeting on Monday.

East Palestine received a boost from the Appalachian Community Grant Program in March to expand and enhance healthcare access for students in partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital. East Palestine and Crestview shared in $488,196 of the allocated $7.5 million for the development and expansion of school-based health centers across Ohio. The funding came from the new Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative.

East Palestine had already announced it had designated space in the elementary and high school to house an in-school clinic. In addition, the grant money will be used to fund a health primary care provider.

While the in-school services are not meant to replace a student’s general practitioner, it is meant to support healthcare systems already in place and ensure equitable health services. According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, in-school services can include preventive care, including annual physicals and immunizations, acute illness, mental health and behavioral health services and supports, oral health and vision services and chronic disease management.

Rook said the clinic will offer telehealth services to East Palestine students.

In other grant news, Rook announced the district is working on an EPA Air Quality Grant (along with the Shale Academy and the Columbiana County Career and Tech Center ) as well as a grant with Gardner to study and improve HVAC efficiency through the Ohio Department of Development Energy Savings Grant.

Rook discussed other partnerships between the district including a collaboration with Team Workforce, Humtown Industry and students as part of the Railway Hero Program in the development of a patented railway sensor that would have prevented last year’s derailment.

“The goal is to get funding, support our community and prevent disasters like the derailment,” Rook explained. “It’s pretty exciting.”

The district also partnered with the East Palestine Resiliency Center — a facility located at 50410 state Route 14 in Unity Township that offers mental services through the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board — to support students with poor attendance.

In agenda items, the school board took action on several personnel requests. The board approved 10 athletic supplemental contracts — Jordan Baker (boys basketball), Levi Kunselman (wrestling), Clarence Andre (softball), Tristan Reynolds (boys basketball), John Bistarkey (boys basketball), Mike McDonaugh (boys basketball), Parker Sherry (boys basketball), Jill Baird (girls basketball), Joclyn Fristik (girls basketball) Carson Rutledge (girls basketball) and Kevin McKinstry (girls basketball) — and two volunteer girls basketball coaches — Adyson Glavan and Alexis Gates. The board rescinded the retirement notice of teacher Mary Falcone and approved retirement notices of Falcone (now effective May 31) and fellow elementary school teacher Connie Offenburg (also effective May 31).

The board also accepted the retirement resignation of board treasurer Rick Ellis (effective Jan. 31, 2025) on the stipulation that he is rehired on Feb. 4, 2025. The board set a public hearing for the matter for Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the elementary media center. The move will reduce Ellis’ salary.

Also during Monday’s meeting:

— Rook reported the gymnasium bleachers which were to be installed this week hit a snag thanks to Hurricane Helene which impacted the supply company. As of the meeting, the new installation date is Nov. 11.

— It was announced that the district will celebrate Veterans Day with a breakfast at First Church of Christ on Monday with a parade to follow at 10 a.m.

— Rook reported a faulty kitchen sensor which has set off the fire alarm will be replaced Thursday.

— The board approved a transportation contract for a Heartland Christian student, a third grade field trip to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh on May 23 and three open enrollment students

— The board approved a resolution approving the return advances (IDEA Preschool $5,033 and IDEA Part B $179) totaling $5,212 to the General Fund.

— The board congratulated student Alyssa Dilling for being named to the Columbiana County Business Advisory Council board.

— The first reading of board policies 2260.01, 0131.1, 1615, 2114, 2412 and 2271 were held with the adoption of 2266 to comply with clerical changes as well as state laws and regulations.

selverd@mojonews.com