RECOGNIZED — The Indian Creek Local Board of Education recognized high school booster members for their longtime support during Wednesday’s meeting. On hand were, from left, Bob Coppa Jr., Bob Coppa Sr., Superintendent T.C. Chappelear, Mike Vitello and John Frey. Others honored were Kitty Ferguson, Dave and Michelle Trikones and Rhonda and John Neilly. - Contributed

MINGO JUNCTION — Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s state budget proposal indicates there will be no increases in funding for Indian Creek Local Schools in the next two years, however, school officials say they will forge ahead despite the lull.

During Wednesday’s school board meeting, the subject of Kasich’s proposal was on the minds of Indian Creek leaders. Recently, many school districts learned they would be facing losses under the plan.

District Treasurer Denise Todoroff reported the proposal must still go before the House and Senate but there would be no funding increases for the district through 2019. In addition, she expected some increases in operational costs. According to the state numbers, Indian Creek would see a more than $300 drop in revenue at the end of the two-year period.

“It does not look good for the district,” she explained. “We will be flat-funded and not funded for the next two years. … It’s hard to do business when costs go up and you have no funding.”

Board Vice President Dr. John Figel said people need to pull together and make their voices heard.

“Public education is being challenged and it’s certainly time for members, not only teachers, but the public across the state to take a stand,” he said. “It continues to be an ongoing saga with doing more with less, but the district has risen to the occasion and continues to provide a very good service. If you look over the last 30-40 years, you see it every decade. What they are asking us to do is more and more and it often is with less and less, but we move forward.”

Meanwhile, Todoroff noted the district’s 2015-16 audit was released and everything looks good. She thanked everyone for their hard work.

In other business, the board:

¯ Heard from Indian Creek Educators Association President Karen Lloyd, who urged officials to contact state leaders regarding changes in Every Student Succeeds Act testing standards. She said even though the state sought input on potential ways to improve the process, it has remained status quo and is unfair to the students.

¯ Heard from Indian Creek Middle School Principal Holly Minch-Hick, who said the school hosted a presentation by the Jefferson County Humane Society as part of a character building program. She recognized the eighth-grade girls’ basketball team for winning BMC Championships while the seventh-grade team place second.

¯ Learned from ICHS Principal Louie Retton that pupil Kaila Skidmore is scheduled to sing the national anthem before about 10,000 during the state boys basketball tournament next month.

¯ Heard from Lloyd that Wintersville Elementary’s Literacy Night is slated for March 14 with outdoor-related activities for the family, and the school is implementing a LEGO Education Program to build literacy skills.

¯ Recognized longtime ICHS Boosters members Bob Coppa Sr., Bob Coppa Jr., John Frey, Kitty Ferguson and Mike Vitello. Also lauded but absent from the session were Dave and Michelle Trikones and Rhonda and John Neilly. Superintendent T.C. Chappelear presented members with certificates.

¯ Heard from Assistant Superintendent John Belt that insurance renewal rates look favorable and he anticipates some savings for the district. Belt noted the online payment program for student meals is up and running.

¯ Continued an agreement with the Indian Creek Youth Baseball Softball League to use the ballfields on Bantam Ridge Road and at ICHS.

¯ Approved a field trip for ICHS Social Studies teacher Peggy Pyle and students to the Close-Up Program in Washington, D.C., Sunday through March 10.

¯ Entered into an agreement with Kent State University to allow district students to enroll in College Credit Plus courses.

¯ Approved classified substitutes Casey Czoka, paraprofessional; Kelly Martin, cafeteria/paraprofessional/secretary; and Bruce Rager, custodian.

¯ Approved resignations from ICHS Drama Club adviser Cody LaRue and assistant adviser Ralph Parissi effective this year.

¯ Approved supplemental service contracts for Monica Pendleton as boys and girls tennis coach.

¯ Approved the June 1 resignations of Wintersville Elementary custodian Kathy Povich, who will retire after 18 years of service, and WES paraprofessional Kathleen Lowe, retiring after 19 years.

¯ Hired Carla Hirschfield as a paraprofessional START aide at WES.

¯ Approved David Kemp as ICMS track coach on the extra-duty supplemental list.

¯ Accepted the resignation of ICMS secretary Lisa Wells, who plans to retire on July 1 after 22 years.