7/26/2012 - South Side Leader
     

NEW FRANKLIN — Manchester Local Schools officials and New Franklin administrators will meet to discuss maintenance issues at Lockhart Field.

At the Manchester Local Schools Board of Education meeting July 24, Superintendent Sam Reynolds said he received a letter dated July 20 from New Franklin Mayor Al Bollas.

Lockhart Field, located at Nimisila and Manchester roads, is owned by the district and used by community youth for sports.

In the letter, Bollas asked district officials to help maintain the field. He identified the maintenance issues include overflowing trash cans and sink holes on the field. Bollas also said the area was once used for mining.

“With your leadership and help of the Board of Education members, officers, teachers and parents, we continue to help each other’s needs ... This facility is a jewel to our community and has contributed much to the Manchester sports program,” Bollas wrote in the letter.

Reynolds said the field is not used for school sports, and the district’s budget is already stretched.

“It is a community field being used by the community,” he said.

Reynolds said he plans to discuss the matter with Bollas.

In a financial matter, the board voted to purchase a 2013 77-passenger bus that will cost $86,782 from Truck Sales & Services, of Midvale, according to Treasurer David Osborne.

“We try to replace buses so our fleet is manageable,” said Reynolds.

Also at the meeting, the board approved uniforms for physical education classes at the high school.

“Appropriate clothing will encourage a higher level of participation,” said Reynolds. “To have students dress properly will help them perform at a higher level.”

Reynolds said the uniforms would be selected before the start of school next month.

Board member Amy Meredith said she supported the use of gym uniforms, and she has received suggestions from community members that the district offer a waiver for physical education classes for students who participate in sports.

In another matter, the board approved five policies, including a policy on cell phone use for certified and classified employees, job related expenses for certified and classified employees and the use of district credit cards.

In personnel matters, the board hired Donald Shem as the psychologist for the district with a 130-day contract. Previously, Shem worked for the district through a county contract. Reynolds said paying him directly will save the district $60,250.

The board also hired James Easterling as the new high school wrestling coach. A Manchester Middle School history teacher, Easterling has previously served as head wrestling coach.

In other business, the board:

• approved certified and supplemental appointments;

• accepted donations from Nolley Elementary PTA of $17,883 for building projects this coming year, $50 to the Carl Arnold Scholarship and $50 to the Robert Hauenstein Scholarship; and

• accepted donations from the Manchester High School PTA of $25 to the Carl Arnold Scholarship and $25 to the Robert Hauenstein Scholarship.

The board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters.

The next meeting will take place Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Administration Building, 6075 Manchester Road.

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