EAST LIVERPOOL – East Liverpool City Schools Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig told the board of education during Thursday’s meeting that it is a big week for students across the district.

Students from Potter Preschool, North and LaCroft will be celebrating literacy with fun activities during Read Across America Week and the Potterbots have three teams advancing to the state robotics tournament – two from Westgate and one from East Liverpool Junior High School.

On Thursday students from across the district showcased their creativity at the Columbiana County Art Show and today students from Westgate and East Liverpool Junior High will represent the district at the county spelling bee.

Ludwig, along with Board President David Hamilton, will be joining the students who are in French Class as they travel abroad to France.

Ludwig noted the winter sports season was a historical one for the district. East Liverpool High School Cheerleading placed fourth at the state tournament, the Potter Pinheads Bowling Team is sending a girls team to state for the first time since 2016 and Addison Rudibaugh will be competing in her third state bowling tournament.

Family members of late board member Larry Walton honored his memory with a $1,200 donation to be split between three of Walton’s favorite programs – the East Liverpool High School track team, East Liverpool High School band and the East Liverpool job training class.

“One of (Larry) Walton’s proudest accomplishments was his 28 years of service on the East Liverpool School District Board of Education,” a press release from the district said. “His unwavering dedication to providing the best opportunities for students earned him numerous accolades from the State Board of Education. His impact on our district and community will never be forgotten.”

Walton’s grandson Joshua Dissette was appointed as a volunteer track coach for the 2025 season during the meeting. This was considered by the district a meaningful tribute to Walton’s Legacy.

“We are grateful for the Walton family’s generosity and commitment to our students. Thank you for your years of service, Mr. Walton,” the district said in a media release.

The board members shared fond memories of Walton and how much they miss him following the check presentation from his daughter Heather Dissette.

Vince Pitzulo was named associate principal of East Liverpool Junior-Senior High School for the 2025-2026 school year. Pitzulo will be succeeding Randy Taylor who will be retiring at the end of the current school year.

During the finance portion of the meeting, board members approved the treasurer’s report including the financial reports and appropriations resolution and amended certificate; the cash summary and cash received report for January, the disbursement and receipt report for January and approved the certificate and final appropriations as presented to them.

Also approved was a transfer from the General Fund to the Class of 2025 to cover necessary teacher expenses for the senior trip in the amount of $3,500; a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor; membership for the Board of Education and the Ohio School Board Association; an art club at Westgate and the settlement agreement with Brian Ames.

Approval was given for the 2025-2026 school year calendar, with the first day for students Sept. 2, last day June 5 and commencement to be determined. The first day for preschool and kindergarten are also yet to be determined.

During the personnel portion of the meeting, the board approved a salary adjustment and numerous classified substitutes, supplementals, classified appointments, administrative appointments and volunteers.

They also approved the OHSAA resolution for membership in Athletics at the seventh through 12th grade levels for the 2025-2026 school year.

The East Liverpool City Schools Board of Education meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at the district’s Administration Building. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for March 27.