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Board approves leave for IT director

STEUBENVILLE – The Steubenville Board of Education approved a paid administrative leave for Director of Technology William Rhinaman effective during Wednesday night’s meeting, that also saw the board members agree to a maintenance agreement with World Radio for temporary IT services.

Superintendent Michael McVey said the agreement will be on an as-needed basis for $70 an hour.

“The IT guy from World Radio has started servicing our servers and will continue to do maintenance on our system. Bill has provided World Radio with all of his passwords,” explained McVey.

Rhinaman was named in a secret four-count indictment last week accusing the 53-year-old of tampering with evidence, obstructing justice, obstructing official business and perjury.

He was the first person indicted by a special grand jury investigating if additional crimes were committed related to the Steubenville teen rape.

The formal approval of administrative leave for Rhinaman came during a brief school board meeting that included formal recognition of Wells Academy for being named a 2013 School of Promise and a High Performing School of Honor, based on the 2012-13 Local Report Card by the Ohio Department of Education.

McVey said his office received notification of the two honors Wednesday from Ohio Superintendent of Public Instruction Richard A. Ross.

“Wells Academy is proving every day that failure is not an option for any student. Because of that, I am pleased to recognize you, your students, teachers, administrators and families for being named a 2013 School of Promise,” said Ross.

“The Ohio Department of Education recognizes your success in closing the math or reading achievement gaps for the students in your school. As a former district superintendent, principal and teacher, I know how difficult your job is. I’m proud of your hard work and commitment to overcoming the obstacles that you and your students face each and every day. You are providing the boys and girls in your school with the skills they need to be successful,” Ross continued.

“As one of an elite group of 141 Schools of Promise in Ohio, you have set a strong example of what we can achieve when educators, parents and community members come together to help all students succeed. I thank you for your leadership and ask you to also pass on my thanks to others who made your success possible,” Ross said.

“The High Performing Schools of Honor program recognizes Ohio schools that have sustained or increased student achievement over time in reading, math and graduation rates, while serving many disadvantaged students,” Ross said in a second letter to Wells School Principal Marjorie Radakovich.

“Every day I tell Ohio educators that we must do whatever it takes to make sure that our students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to achieve academically. Your school is one where this is happening, and I commend you for it. I hope you will share your strategies generously with other Ohio schools. The department plans to spotlight Wells Academy as an outstanding example of what is possible when students, educators, parents and community members work together, believing that all students can succeed,” Ross concluded.

In other business Wednesday night, the board approved the employment of Jared Robinson as a teacher.

Several substitute teachers were added to the district list, including Jeremy Banks, Karin Fahrenholz, Timothy Fahrenholz, Lisa Ledyard, John Murray and Catherine Sengenberger.

The board also approved:

A $100 donation from the A&B Sunset Pharmacy and Diamond Pharmacy was accepted for the Pugliese West Principal’s fund.

A $500 rental payment from Mountaineer Park for using a room at the Harding Stadium press box on Sept. 28.

An agreement with the Ohio state auditor for sharing student data consistent with the Family Education Records Privacy Act of 1974.

A $2,500 safety grant from the Jefferson County Educational Service Center.

The board met in executive session to discuss personnel following the regular meeting.

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