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MINGO JUNCTION -- The Indian Creek Board of Education discussed projects and personnel as the school year begins winding down.
During the regular session on April 20 at Hills Elementary, Assistant Superintendent John Belt updated the board on impending plans to replace the gym floor at Indian Creek Middle School following a waterline break this winter. Belt said a frozen line burst in the building and damaged the flooring, leading to replacement plans this summer. However, the work could impact fall sports teams' workouts during that time.
"The Indian Creek Middle School gym floor was approved for replacement by the insurance company and it will be eight-to-10 weeks," he said. "Unfortunately, the fall teams will have to juggle facilities."
Belt said work should get underway in May and Cincinnati Flooring has been contracted to undertake the removal and replacement of flooring. He will also coordinate with ICMS Principal Holly Minch-Hick and Athletic Director Mitch Hukill to ensure practice sites for athletes during the summer.
Meanwhile, leaders acted on a series of personnel matters with contract renewals, resignations and employment of districtwide personnel. Officials granted a two-year contract renewal to Amanda Paul and a three-year extension to Jaycee Gotschall to continue teaching at Indian Creek schools. The board also approved the resignations of Cross Creek Elementary physical education teacher Joseph Strohmeyer and ICMS intervention specialist Caroline Schooler Celani, both effective at the end of the school year, as well as paraprofessional Deborah Bednar, who will retire May 30 after more than 15 years of service.
Among the hired personnel were Gretchen Bonecutter as a cook/cashier, effective the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, and classified substitutes Nancy Fish as cafeteria, paraprofessional and secretary; Amber Travis as secretary and paraprofessional; and Madeline King as cafeteria and secretary.
In other matters:
• Superintendent T.C. Chappelear provided important dates for school-related events including the Indian Creek Scholars Banquet on May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Florian Event Center, ICHS Academic Letter Assembly on May 10 at 9 a.m. in the auditorium, the Senior Awards Banquet on May 15 at 6 p.m. at St. Florian Event Center and graduation on May 23 at 7 p.m. at Franciscan University of Steubenville;
• Indian Creek Education Association Vice President Dave Moffat said teachers were excited about students winding down the year and the upcoming graduation to see what seniors plan for their future;
• Minch-Hick updated the board on testing throughout April and scheduled activities in May, including band concerts on May 16, the academic and athletic assembly on May 18, a Fun Day fundraiser to benefit charity on May 19, Move Up Day with a visit from incoming fifth-graders on May 22 and Market Day on May 23;
• Board member Kim Mark recognized the Indian Creek High School Marching Band, which earned first place in the large band group at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival Parade in Tennessee on April 15. The parade included bands from Mississippi, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and more and was judged by music professors from Perdue University and other colleges. ICHS received six superior ratings for its medley of Dolly Parton songs. Chappelear praised the band and thanked the Wintersville Police Department for providing an escort to celebrate the achievement;
• Mark lauded high school students for their recent performance of "Little Shop of Horrors";
• The board approved non-renewals in a series of personal service contracts for current spring sports activities;
• District Treasurer Denise Todoroff said she would have information on the five-year forecast at the next session;
• The next meeting was set for 6 p.m. May 18 at Cross Creek Elementary.