Trending
VIENNA -- Members of the Mathews Education Association expressed concerns to the Board of Education about the delay in getting contract negotiations started with district teachers.
Carla Pacileo, president of the teachers' union, told the board Wednesday that in her years in the district, this is the latest for contract negotiations to begin.
Many of the 62 teachers represented by the union attended the meeting. Their three-year teaching contract expires Aug. 24.
Pacileo said the board has delayed exchange of proposals from the teachers until she was informed this week that the board will begin negotiations next week and a lawyer will be present, which has not occurred before. She said she is also concerned that Superintendent Lew Lowery plans to retire this summer and will not be involved.
The board has not officially accepted his retirement resignation.
Board President Tarin Brown said the board met in executive session to discuss negotiations and since Lowery will be retiring and he has served as a lead negotiator in the past, the board has asked legal counsel to assist in his place.
In other business, board member Jim Pegg informed the board the district is seeking grants for security enhancements at its buildings.
Lowery said school safety is crucial for all districts and it is unfortunate that schools have to compete to get grants.
"Why do we have to have grants to do this and have to compete with other school districts to get this safety money. I have a serious problem with that," Lowery said
Baker Elementary Principal Michael King said the district is considering a bulletproof front door and office windows at the elementary building to enhance security as recommended by local law enforcement.
In other action, the board:
• Approved 59 seniors for graduation ceremony 7 p.m. May 17 at Packard Music Hall;
• Approved a three-year administrative contract for Jennifer Soukenik as special education supervisor for 203 days at $61,000 through July 2021;
• Approved three-year administrative contract for Michael King as elementary principal for 203 days at $76,250 through July 2021;
• Approved the transfer of Brandi O'Connor from first grade to kindergarten because of low enrollment in first grade next year. Officials said incoming kindergarten is a larger class;
• Approved transfer of Julia Sethman-Stewart to Currie Elementary library secretary at $11.76 per hour effective Monday;
• Approved high school band trip to Cedar Point May 24;
• Entered into contract with Prout Boiler, Heating and Welding at $3,985 for removal and replacement of heat exchanger in a roof top unit at Currie;
• Approved agreement with Trumbull County Educational Service Center at $666,971 for special education services;
• Approved facilities use rental agreement with 4-H Camp Whitewood at $638 for Baker Elementary field trip May 11;
• Were informed the playgrounds at Currie and Baker need new gravel.