×

Edison adding resource officers

PROTECTION — Saline Township Police Officer Cody Moore interacts with fourth-graders, from left, Nicolas McKenzie, Gigi LoPrete and Madilyn Householder at Stanton Elementary School after the school district approved adding school resource officers in the elementary buildings. Special Deputy Mark Clark of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, who is also police chief in Bergholz, will be on patrol at John Gregg Elementary. The district is footing the costs for the added protection.

BERGHOLZ — The Edison Local School District is adding school resource officers in the elementary schools.

Board members on Thursday ratified contracts with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and Saline Township Police Department to add another resource officer at Stanton and John Gregg Elementary Schools, calling the move an “urgent necessity.”

Bergholz Police Chief Mark Clark, who is a special deputy appointed by Sheriff Fred Abdalla, is serving in the role at John Gregg while Saline Township Police Officer Cody Moore will be the primary officer at Stanton, but other township officers will be utilized there if necessary. According to the contracts, they will undergo resource officer training once it becomes available, although it is not required in Ohio. Clark and Moore began April 9 and join Deputy Scott Renforth, who has held the post at Edison High School for the past 16 years.

Superintendent Bill Beattie said it was just one aspect of enhancing safety in the district and having the extra personnel on hand enables the district’s staff and estimated 1,472 students to work in a secure learning environment.

“With all of the events occurring in our nation’s schools recently, the board wanted to place an additional school resource officer at each building,” Beattie said. “It all came to fruition and (departments) were flexible and willing to help.”

He said the new officers have made a difference in the district.

“Any time you see the presence of a police car in a parking lot, it is definitely a plus. I wanted them to come into the buildings and develop a rapport with the staff and students, and they’ve done just that in a relatively quick manner,” Beattie said.

Beattie added that the district was absorbing the cost of the extra personnel and it was the latest move to increase protection.

During a special meeting in March, the board agreed to move forward with arming school staff. The district was seeking volunteers, who must undergo an evaluation and complete training with regular practice to maintain their concealed carry permit.

“We are still in the initial stages with that,” Beattie added, saying it was not expected to occur this school year. “This is going to be an extensive process, and we want to make sure we are doing everything right before this gets implemented. This is an extra added layer that we’re trying to get into the buildings for the safety of our students and staff.”

Board members also approved a five-year pact for Tammy Burchfield as principal of John Gregg Elementary and a three-year agreement for Josh Leasure as assistant principal at Edison High School. A two-year contract was granted to Tyler Roush to serve as assistant technology coordinator for the district.

A one-year contract was given to high school teacher Ellen Swickard. Contracts for faculty and staff members include Chuck Cline, five years; Angela Arbogast and Sara Cunningham, three years; Mycaela Ensell, Jeremy Matics, Caitlin Schultz and David Schultz, two years; Dawn Cable, Christina Haught, Greg Marsh, Shane O’Brien and Jaye Taylor, one year. John Gregg contracts include Haley Hashbarger, three years; Sarah Hinerman and Stephanie Stevens, two years; and Marissa Matics and Mark Smyth, one year. Stanton contracts include Shaylyn Cain, three-years; Hannah Eckley, Melissa Hudson and Jordan Tice, two years; and Emily Henry, Lynsey Morrison and Mikayla Tice, one-year. Art teacher Justyne Strohmeyer received a two-year contract and guidance counselor Megan McNear received a one-year for their work at both elementary schools.

The board entered into an agreement with the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to employ speech therapist Chris Somerville; supervisor of VI aides Michelle Trikones; and visually impaired teachers Sharon Wilson and Nikki Richardson from Aug. 1 to July 31, 2019. Substitute teachers Jacob Haynes and Alex Abrams, and Luke Lutton, an NBC-custodian, on the non-classified sub list.

In other action, the board:

¯ Recognized Burchfield, John Gregg student Madison Somerville and Destination Imagination team members.

¯ Approved a $1,500 donation to the Paws Pantry by the Bergholz Foundation.

¯ Permitted make-up games on Sundays due to a large number of inclement weather during spring.

¯ Appointed board President Aaron Richardson and Vice President Ron Smyth to present diplomas during Edison High’s commencement ceremony at Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 25.

¯ Set the next meeting for 7 p.m. May 17 at Edison High School.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today