By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
The Galion Board of Education approved a district code of conduct policy, but not without discussion and a dissenting vote. Board President Jennifer Kuns cast the lone vote against The Extra- and Co-Curricular Code of Conduct.
A portion of the code is in regards to parties where underage consumption and other illegal activities are occurring. It applies to student athletes as well as those in co-curricular activities such as band. Kuns explained her position.
“I do believe that a code of conduct is needed, and Mr. (Kyle) Baughn has put a lot of time and effort into it and I appreciate that,” Kuns said. “I do have a problem with one clause that states if a student-athlete is simply at a party and not partaking in an illegal activity they would be required to forfeit a year of eligibility or take an alcohol and (drug) treatment program,” Kuns said. “I don’t feel at that point that it would be the school’s job to mandate that. I believe that it should be the parents’ job if they aren’t participating in anything that is illegal.”
The school board approved contributing an extra $20,000 to the stadium renovation fund to keep the project moving forward. The $480,000 renovation project will finish the bleachers, press box, and begin construction of a new concession stand. The project is being largely funded by the Freese Foundation with the school being responsible for an 11-percent contribution to the project.
Board members approved a resolution into looking into protesting against the Youngstown plan provision of SB 70. The Youngstown plan provision disbands the Youngstown BOE and is replaced with state mandates for the city’s school system. Galion Board of Education member Dennis Long explained that there may be a lawsuit against the state due to a violation of the sunshine laws.
Treasurer Charlene Parkinson unveiled her method of tracking receipts as they come in for the schools’ expenses. Parkinson noted that by breaking each expense down into different categories in order to see where money is being used in the school district.
The school board shored up the teachers for the school district for the 2015/2016 school year with the hiring of fourth grade teacher Michelle Talbott, high school intervention specialist Todd Galownia, as well as substitute personnel. Superintendent Mark Stefanik explained that the school still doesn’t have enough substitute personnel and that those interested should contact his office.
Also approved were changes in the district’s by-laws and policies that give the district the authority to have epi-pens on site and to be used by trained administrators in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
The collective bargaining agreement with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Local #370 was tabled until September to await the ratification by union membership.