Paving set for Southern Local campus
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SALINEVILLE - Southern Local school officials are preparing for the entire parking lot surrounding its school buildings to be paved starting next week.
Charlie Puckett, maintenance supervisor for the school district, said crews with Vasco Asphalt of Massillon are expected to begin milling on July 22 and suggested traffic in and out of the campus be kept to a minimum while the paving is done.
The $354,902 project will include a couple additional handicap parking spaces and creation of height-appropriate curbs.
Board President Scott Hart agreed, saying, "We haven't paved the (entire) parking lot for an extended period of time. I don't want anything messing it up."
It was noted the campus' athletic fields are used at this time by Little League baseball teams as well as the high school's football players and cheerleaders.
Officials discussed how to address that use and notify those using the fields when certain areas of the lot will be closed.
Bob Shansky, the school district's athletic director, noted the Meet the Team Night normally is held on the night before the first football game, which this year is on Aug. 21, and was told the paving is expected to be completed by then.
Shansky also advised the board the number of students turning out for the football team has increased, requiring more helmets to be ordered, while interest in the volleyball team also has been strong.
He expressed thanks to the East Liverpool Community Resource Center for feeding the football players during their practices.
At her first meeting as superintendent of the Southern Local School District, Mary Alice Sigler expressed appreciation for the support of staff since stepping into the position last month.
Also at its July 14 meeting, the board:
Approved contracts for Sara Harris as junior high school cheerleading coach; and Kristina Napierkowski as an instructor at the elementary school.
Approved contracts and agreements with Nutrition Inc., which supplies breakfasts and lunches for the district's students; Wills Mobility and Vision Services for evaluation of students for visual impairment and related services; McBane Financial Services for cyber liability insurance, the Jefferson County Educational Service Center for efforts to publicize the district's programs and activities, and the Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities for services for Southern Local students with disabilities.
Agreed to continue membership in the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy.
Greg Sabbato, the district's treasurer, said the group plays an important role in representing the interests of smaller school districts.
He said it was a vocal opponent some time ago when state legislators considered cutting funding for school bus transportation.
Sabbato noted some suggested providing student passes for public transportation but that's not available in many districts outside larger cities.
The board's next meeting is slated for 6 p.m. Aug. 11 in the Southern Local Elementary School cafeteria.
(Submitted Material)