ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Members of the St. Clairsville-Richland City Board of Education recently heard an update regarding a community survey seeking input about the district’s facilities.
During a regular meeting, Shea McMahon, head of the Columbus, Ohio, office of SHP, a design firm, briefed the audience regarding community surveys that have been distributed throughout the district seeking feedback on building needs and concerns. The district is seeking SHP’s assistance to gauge what the community wants to see as it relates to its facilities in anticipation of placing another measure before voters. In November 2018, voters rejected a pair of levies, both of which would have funded school upgrades, including a a new 68,000-square-foot high school building.
McMahon reported that “good strides” have been made in getting a feel of what the community would like to see. The biggest realization, he said, is that, of the surveys returned, a large portion of respondents think a need for new or renovated facilities has been established. He said of the 594 that have been returned, 569 answered in the affirmative when asked about the need.
“The great news (from the surveys) is that they said the district has addressed the need, as well,” McMahon said. “People in the community very adamantly understand there is a need for new or renovated facilities.”
McMahon said many of those who’ve responded to the survey thus far are aware of the new school facility that opened this fall in Harrison County, although they might not be as clear on how that K-12 facility was funded.
“That appeared to spark a greater understanding into what schools can do,” he said.
High school Assistant Principal Cassi Hynes informed the board about the impact the district’s Facebook page is making. She cited numerous examples of how social media has lifted the district’s profile throughout the community and presented each board member with numbers showing the “hits” various posts have received. One of the most popular posts was one showcasing the district’s ceremonies honoring Veteran’s Day. Superintendent Walt Skaggs commended district administrators in attendance for their work on the ceremonies, which were attended by many local service personnel.
Skaggs, in his report, said new surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the district using grant funds. Also, the district has purchased three Chromebook carts, including 30 units on each cart.
Under personnel, Melanie Hannan, Ryan Jarvie and Zachary Musilli were approved as certified substitutes, while Amber Hooper, Gwen Palmer and Cherish Volk were approved as classified substitutes. Kate Myers was approved as an athletic worker.
Supplemental contracts were approved for Tony Ciroli (varsity boys and girls track and field coach) and Chelsea Maxwell (varsity girls basketball assistant). Eric Gay (reserve boys basketball), Greg Kazmirski (varsity boys and girls track and field assistant) and Joel Sansone (head wrestling coach) all had pupil activity contracts approved, along with Robert McEwen (drum line).
The following donations were made during the month of October — Paul and Courtney Redilla (elementary field day, $440); Chad and Diane Senakievich (middle school penny wars, $250); Your Cause (high school principal fund, $20); Joshua and Amy Gasber (homecoming spirit week, $100); William Green (June Green Scholarship, $1,000); and Todd and Sherry Bumgardner (honor flight, $25). National Honor Society received donations from DPS Sports LLC ($50), Rodak Associates Inc. ($100) and David and Wendy Hodorowski ($50). Red Devil Club (wrestling, $1,825), Home Savings Charitable Foundation ($500), Unified Bank (boys basketball, $1,000), Luke Nelson ($30) and Kelly Rine ($80) all made athletic department donations.
Other donations were given by St. C. Cheer Moms (cheerleader fund, $375.50), Swan’s Sport Shop (weight room, $1,576) and Community Bank ($250). High school volleyball received donations from Kelly Binger ($245), Mindi Finnical ($105); Rochelle Jackson ($100), Joe Toney ($100) and Stephanie Salisbury ($400). Swan’s Sport Shop ($645.87), Sport Your Colors LLC ($100) and Swan’s Sport Shop ($432.23) all made donations to high school soccer.
