Warren

WHAT: Board of education regular meeting.

WHEN: Wednesday.

WHERE: Lincoln PK-8 School, cafetorium.

PRESENT: President Julian Walker, Alisha Alls, Regina Patterson, Patricia Limperos and Superintendent Steve Chiaro.

NOT PRESENT: Vice President Patrick Flanagan (excused).

The board:

• Approved January board meeting minutes.

•Accepted the January financial statement. The district’s ending balance as of Jan. 31 was $89,832,683.77.

•Approved a resolution for tax rates for the 2025 calendar year, including a total millage of 59.35.

•Reviewed and approved several contracts and agreements, including, a five-year agreement with PepsiCo for beverage sales; College Credit Plus dual enrollment agreements with Stark State College and Youngstown State University; a $65,000 per officer agreement with the city of Warren for school resource officers through June 2027; and technology upgrades, including new internet access services for McGuffey PK-8 School and the board of education.

•Authorized the ranking of construction management firms for the medical office space renovation project, selecting DeSalvo Construction as the top-ranked firm.

•Amended the 2025-26 school calendar to adjust conference compensation days and spring break.

•Adopted new and revised board policies covering areas such as student attendance, electronic devices, grant funds and procurement procedures.

•Accepted several donations, including a $2,000 in clothing donations from the Warren City Federation of Women’s Club; food donations valued at $500 from First Presbyterian Church of Warren for the Willard PK-8 Pantry; monetary donation of $400 from the Stringer Family Foundation to support 21st century programs.

•Accepted retirements of staff members, including James Bell (secondary teacher) and Jacqueline Lawrence (elementary teacher), effective May and June, respectively.

•Approved new hires, promotions and salary adjustments for teachers and support staff.

•Authorized an additional early release day at Warren G. Harding High School on March 5 to facilitate PSAT and SAT testing.

•Approved 2025-26 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

•The next board of education meeting is scheduled for March 25 at McGuffey PK-8 School.

— Chris McBride