SALINEVILLE — The Southern Local Board of Education took action and will create two financial forecasts for the state.

During the Aug. 12 meeting in the Southern Local High School Media Center, officials approved a resolution allowing district Treasurer Greg Sabbato to continue forming five-year financial forecast after the state recently reduced the timeframe to three years. The resolution explained that the board recognizes how essential long-term financial planning is to maintain fiscal health, anticipate future needs and make informed decisions, plus continuing a five-year plan enhances the district’s ability to responsibly manage resources and plan for the future.

The resolution authorized Sabbato to continue formulating the five-year forecast in addition to the three-year plan required under the Ohio Revised Code. The five-year forecast, which will include the three-year forecast, will be presented to the board by Oct. 15 and the end of February in Fiscal Year 2026, and by the end of August and February each year beginning with FY’27 while the three-year forecast will be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The resolution shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded by the school board. Following brief discussion, the board approved the resolution.

In other matters, Superintendent Tom Cunningham received a two-year contract extension as a retire-rehire but officials will continue to search for a replacement.

The board held a special session in July on Cunningham’s status but took no formal action until the latest meeting. Board member Jean Pastore mentioned that a search would be conducted for Cunningham’s successor and it could take time, while board President Scott Hart said the move also saves the district money while surrounding school districts made similar moves.

“And we have someone who is dedicated to the district,” Hart added.

Cunningham said he was grateful for the opportunity to continue with Southern Local, where he previously served as an elementary principal.

In other personnel matters, officials approved a continuing contract for Julie Dowling as assistant treasurer and a one-year teaching contract for Jennifer Hitt as elementary art teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Also accepted were substitutes for the 2025-26 school year, including teachers Colton Novak, Laurie Ronshak, Jennifer Timms and Conner Lewis, paraprofessional Kristina Napierkowski and custodian Robert Mike Jarvis while Natasha Grimm was also named a full-time substitute. The board also approved the resignations of Rich Sloan as junior high football coach Rich Sloan and boys’ golf coach Jimmy Malone; approved supplementals including Holly Davis, junior high athletic director; Gerard Grimm, girls’ golf coach and head boys’ basketball coach; Zac Almy as head football coach; Jimmy Malone, Fernando Dechellis and Dan Spencer as assistant high school football coaches; Dennis Bowers as boys’ head wrestling coach; Mike Skrinjar as head girls’ basketball coach; Thomas Terdina as junior high football coach; and Courtland Kellogg as boys’ golf coach; and approved volunteers including Logan Redfern for cross country and Alleigh Ingledue for volleyball. In related matters, leaders approved a staffing agreement through the Jefferson County Educational Service Center and Cunningham noted the addition of new Food Service Director Tom Best.

The school board also:

— Heard concerns from parent Julie Utt about the need to update junior high football uniforms and equipment, saying they were outdated and oversized. Following discussion, Athletic Director Bob Shansky said he would order updated items;

— Heard about speeding concerns near the school from teacher and local resident Nancy Sakely, who asked if signage or some other action could be taken to reduce speeds in the school zone. Officials said they reached out to the Ohio Department of Transportation and were still reviewing the issue;

— Heard a roundup of reports from district officials as they prepared for the start of school on Sept. 2. Updates ranged from painting and improvements in the school buildings to a future need to revamp a school playground that is showing wear and tear. Other comments included the departure of a bus driver and the upgrade of technology within the district, while custodians were praised for preparing the schools for the start of classes;

— Donated $250 to the Southern Local Touchdown Club;

— Approved the fifth-grade field trip to Camp Fitch on Nov. 12-14;

— Approved a stipend for Josh Manist and Sebastian Bach for setting up the network in the new welding lab at Utica Shale Academy. Cunningham noted that he was looking to provide learning blocks for career exploration next year at the lab;

— Agreed to provide free admission to all district students for home athletic events, but elementary students must be accompanied by an adult. Shansky said the district has offered free admission for the past two years and officials hoped to see more student involvement in activities;

— Set the next regular meeting for Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at the SLHS Media Center.