JVS board advances subdivision plans
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BLOOMINGDALE -- The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education is furthering its plans to expand the neighboring Breezewood Manor subdivision following more action at the April 11 meeting.
Superintendent Todd Phillipson updated leaders during the regular meeting, saying there were two options including a cul-de-sac along Breezewood Drive or creating another access to the road. Phillipson said students have constructed homes at the current site and there was an opportunity to do more. James White Construction of Weirton completed a $275,400 sewer and roadwork project in 2003 and four homes were initially built with three more eventually added. Plans for the new houses remain preliminary and would ultimately require approval on the county level.
"We originally had drawings for five homes and it turned into about seven," he said of the original houses, adding that as many as eight more could be constructed depending on the road plan.
Options included putting in another cul-de-sac, which he said could cost a lot of money and might limit the number of homes being built, or having no cul-de-sac but providing two exits on the route that allows for the construction of more houses. Phillipson said about eight houses could be built with the first plan, but it would require the purchase of some property. If the property deal is not approved, the board could move ahead with the second option.
"We may have to widen part of Breezewood and put in the cul-de-sac," he added, saying the other plan involved expanding an L-shaped route off of Shanley Road. "It would essentially be two exits."
During discussion, he noted that the current homes include basements or split entry but all of the floorplans were different. Currently, carpentry students were completing their second modular home on school property while house construction would not occur until the overall plans were approved by the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission and county commissioners.
Following more talks, the board agreed to move forward with developing Breezewood Manor and accepted a $29,000 proposal from Chandan Engineering Inc. of St. Clairsville for engineering services and construction administration regarding the new sewer and road plans.
In related news, carpentry instructor Dave Lucas highlighted efforts being made in his program as students work to complete the latest modular home on the property.
The modular includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchen and is expected to be completed during the next year. Lucas said students were adding siding and insulation to the structure as well as completing other projects such as making new signs for JVS program labs, creating birdhouses and cutting boards for charity with wood provided by DeNoon Lumber and constructing benches and picnic tables for the planned recreational area at Buckeye Local Junior High School.
He noted that a partnership with Carpenters Local Union No. 186 in Steubenville has proven fruitful with apprenticeship opportunities and union representative Troy Stewart has been involved with the school program. Lucas added that the apprenticeship affords graduates chances to advance their career.
"All of the seniors are on target to graduate," Lucas added. "I've got four of seven students planning to go to the Local 186 for apprenticeships. When they graduate, they can take their certificates and we go to Ridgefield to the training center. They can start at $28 an hour and it's a great career opportunity for students at the JVS."
Lucas, who is a union member, said he will visit area power plants and commercial sites to make connections that would help more students obtain jobs.
Among other action, the board:
— Learned enrollment was up with 211 accepted applicants for the upcoming school year;
— Heard from Supervisor/Principal Andy Long, who announced Senior Project Day on April 18 and Senior Recognition and Awards on May 17 with 138 seniors being honored;
— Re-employed licensed staff with contracts for Dave Lucas, Anthony Materna and Brianne Schoolcraft for one year; Allison Boyd and Jim Mills, two years; Buddy Davis, Fred Jones and Dylan Stickler, three years; and Glen Zalenski, four years. Officials also rehired classified staff with Carina Aulicino, Kelly Grafton, Karen Grimm, Tim Miller, Heidi Nicholson, Brooke Wilson and Lori Yanczura all receiving two-year contracts;
— Approved the extra-curricular activity advisers for the 2023-24 school year, including Russ Achhammer and Ron Reasoner, SkillsUSA; Rebecca Kelley, Future Career and Community Leaders of America; Cody LaRue, Business Professionals of America; Fred Jones and Emily Moore, FFA; Erin D'Aurora, National Technical Honor Society; Allison Boyd, student council; and Tammy Sismondo, Health Occupations Students of America;
— Approved the resignation of Curtis Parker, welding lab aide, effective April 10;
— Approved field trips for Emily Moore, a chaperone and seven students to the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus for the FFA Vet Science Competition, as well as Becky Kelley, Shawna Myers and four students to the state fairgrounds on April 26-28 for the State FCCLA Competition and Leadership Conference;
— Announced the NTHS induction on May 2 and prom on Friday;
— Scheduled the next board meeting for May 16 at 5 p.m.