CHAMPION — The board of education has approved permitting a walkway connection between Champion schools’ parking lot and township property.

Champion Local Schools Superintendent John Grabowski said township trustees are applying for a grant to create a multigenerational exercise station and they need to use the school district’s parking lot to gain access to the landlocked area where the exercise station will be.

“They have asked us for permission to place a sidewalk from our parking lot to the area. I felt that was a great idea and discussed it with the board. It will give our community walkers who come to walk on the track access to the exercise area. Our students will also have access to the area,” Grabowski said.

The board passed a resolution Monday supporting the township’s efforts. He said there was a need for a handicap-accessible sidewalk to the location and a parking lot.

“They will have access to our parking lot to get to that area,” he said.

In other business, the board approved placing a renewal of the 1.5-mill permanent improvement levy on the November ballot

Grabowski said proceeds from the levy provide funds for servicing the high school, bus garage and athletic facilities.

“Passage of the levy will allow us to continue to maintain the high school building and property so we do not have to take that money out of the general fund. The funds ensure that our high school building is maintained to the best that we possibly can so we don’t have to ask our community for a bond to repair it or replace it in the future,” Grabowski said.

Treasurer Laurena Rouan said the levy generates $111,371 annually.

In the past, the permanent improvement funds have been used for roads, HVAC, electrical, technology and lighting upgrades, sidewalks, paving parking lots, resurfacing the gymnasium flooring and the all-weather track.

In other business, the board accepted the retirement resignation of high school teacher Jeffrey Rasile at the end of the school year. He has 28 years in the district.

The retirement of Viola Elaine Waller, who has worked as a bus driver and student educational aide for 31 years, was approved effective June 1.

The board recognized Rasile and Waller, as well as high school teachers David Dunlap, Renee Johntony and Krista Terbovich and bus driver Elaine Garrettson, who are all retiring this year.

Also, Grabowski discussed with the board his concerns with state legislation will impact school finances and concern about the fair school funding plan not being implemented by the state.

“The amount of money we will be getting from the state is significantly lower than what we are expecting,” he said.

Grabowski said there also has been discussion about banning cell phones in schools with that decision expected this summer.