LISBON — A trail area behind the Beaver Local School District football stadium could be used to help train cross country athletes, a local parent told the board of education this month.

Parent Mark Birch encouraged the board to consider maintaining the trail area to provide student athletes with a dedicated training space featuring hills and off-path terrain.

He said that such an area would benefit athletes and provide additional opportunities for student use.

He also suggested the potential addition of an assistant coach to support the program.

As for the track program, the district thanked the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center for its partnership in refurbishing the district’s track trailer, which District Superintendent Eric Lowe said provided a significant upgrade for athletic programs.

On another matter, Lowe praised the Beaver Local Robotics Team “Adrenaline” for making it to the VEX World Championship in St. Louis.

The team qualified after earning the Sportsmanship Award at the state competition and is one of only four Ohio teams advancing to the international event.

The World Championship took place this week.

Lowe also announced the district is gearing up for “Camp Read-A-Lot” literacy night for students in PreK through second grade. The event, planned for early May, will feature participation from local fire departments, who will read with students and help create an engaging learning environment.

It was also reported to the board that 82 seventh and eighth-grade students earned Summa Decem honors for the school year. The recognition program is scheduled for May 11.