By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

Fees for Galion high school and middle school students will be remain much the same as last year following Thursday’s Board of Education meeting for the district.

Board members voted to keep, with a few exceptions, lunch prices and most class fees at the same levels as last year. Prior to voting on the fee schedule Galion’s Superintendent Mark Stefanik explained that while the fees will mostly be the same as last year there are a few classes where prices increased for lab materials.

The Galion BOE also set the amount of non-make-up calamity days for the next school year at five days. The Board approved the use of three blizzard bag days.

During discussion and reports Galion Curriculum Director Dr. Sandy Powell discussed the change of testing for the upcoming school year. In her report Powell noted that the PARCC testing has been cancelled by the state, and replaced with testing from the American Institute of Research (AIR). Powell explained that the AIR tests are already used in the school for social studies and science classes. Powell noted that due to the new set of tests the safe harbor provisions for teachers will return. The AIR tests will just be a single test and shorter in length. Powell did add that OGT testing will take place during the fall and spring, and that a new ELPA test will be available for students who are limited in their English proficiency.

In Treasurer Charlene Parkinson’s report to the Galion BOE she noted that the school finished $422,000 ahead of the estimate of cash left in the general fund. Originally projected at $2.2 million the school had $2.6 million left in the general fund with the $422,000 coming in from back billing in special education.

After reconvening from executive session the Galion School Board approved using Mid-Ohio Educational Services in the search for Stefanik’s successor. Stefanik will leave the district this fall to accept a superintendent’s post in North Carolina.

The Galion BOE approved the position of JV softball coach if there are enough numbers for a junior varsity softball squad.

The board discussed the back-to-school tax holiday in which the state will suspend 5.75 percent sales tax on select items on Aug. 7, 8, and 9 to help parents and teachers save money while back-to-school shopping. More information including which items qualify for the tax break can be found online on the Ohio Treasurer’s website.

The Galion BOE approved the Freese Grant Project agreement. The school will use the grant monies to repair, or replace the bleachers, concession stand, and press box at Unkrich Stadium.

The Galion Board approved Photorama, Unique Images, and Maria Winemiller to the list of professional photographers to be used for the upcoming school year. The School Board noted that more professional photographers could be added to the list. Those with media passes will also be able to photograph school events.

The Galion BOE approved handbooks for students in high school, middle school, professional development committee, and the athletic code of conduct Wednesday night.

The Galion BOE also approved contracts with NCOCC, Mid-Ohio ESC, and RC Therapy Services for the 2015-2016 school year.