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BLOOMINGDALE -- Projects and preliminary plans topped discussion during the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education meeting on Tuesday.
Officials said upgrades should be concluding soon in the cosmetology lab and the culinary arts' Crestview Inn Restaurant, both of which will give students plenty of practice in real-life settings once they return to school. Student orientation is set for Tuesday with juniors attending from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and seniors from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, classes resume for juniors on Wednesday and seniors on Thursday.
Superintendent Todd Phillipson said representatives with the state will review improvements in the cosmetology lab, which has been undergoing an estimated $294,490 renovation with new stations, flooring, countertops, paint and some design modifications in the salon. Buckeye Field Maintenance Inc., of Bloomingdale is spearheading the project and plans are to complete the project during the next few weeks. Phillipson said the project was on target and it will be a real improvement to the site. It is also the lab's first makeover since 2000 and will give the space a fresher look.
Meanwhile, the Crestview Inn Restaurant will receive new carpeting, furniture, cabinets, equipment, windows and door and costs total more than $30,000. Contractors include Cattrell Companies Inc. of Toronto with flooring from Smitty's Wholesale Carpet Warehouse of Steubenville, furnishings and equipment from National Equipment Co. of Wheeling and windows by Steubenville Plate and Window Glass Corp.
"The restaurant will be functional and ready for the students," Phillipson added, saying equipment will soon arrive for the eatery.
He noted that the updates are a welcome change to the vocational school.
"We are looking forward to the completion of both projects."
Meanwhile, a preliminary plan is being eyed to potentially expand the adult education program to full time.
"We're going to talk with the Ohio Department of Education concerning a full-time program," the superintendent explained. "We feel with the recent state budget changes that it would be worth exploring if we could provide adult education for people in the area so they can expand their skills. We need to find out what it takes and what we'll have to do."
He added that as many as 200 people participate in adult education programs each fall and spring and the school is gearing up for the 2023-24 term. Enrollment is set for Aug. 28-31 and Sept. 5-7 by contacting the school at (740) 264-5545 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., but registration will continue until the first night of class on Sept. 12. Programs range from computers and trade and industry to special interests.
Subsequently, he noted that officials eventually planned to meet with the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission to discuss the potential expansion of the Breezewood Manor subdivision. Leaders are looking to possibly extend the site to U.S. Route 22 and add more residential lots. JVS carpentry students have created more than a half-dozen homes through the years and most recently have been building modular structures for off-site use.
"We're planning to meet with regional planning in the future on the design of the Breezewood Manor subdivision," he said. "We have maps that would take it down the hill … and we would be able to add 10 lots with an open cul-de-sac that would connect to Route 22 and expand if the opportunity arises."
The board had discussed the idea in the spring and was reviewing two options, including a cul-de-sac along Breezewood Drive and creating another access to the road. Phillipson said 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 by the planning commission and county commissioners. If approved, more than a half-dozen new homes could be constructed in the future.
In other matters, several additions were made to the personnel roster as Lisa McFarland and Emily Holmes were named teacher's aides in the health technologies and animal science/special education programs under one-year limited contracts. Melissa Zifzal was employed as a long-term substitute English teacher for the upcoming year with Barb Pieniazek and Brooke Wilson placed on the sub teacher list for the 2023-24 term. Darlene Lucarelli was added to the classified substitute list as a cook/kitchen helper.
Among other business, the board:
• Heard from Supervisors Andy Long and Gabrielle Wilson on the teacher in-service, professional development plan and emergency operations plan. Long and Wilson were also approved to make school closings and emergency decisions in the superintendent's absence;
• Approved the assignment of health tech instructor Tammy Sismondo to serve as mentor to Brianne Schoolcraft and Anthony Materna, respectively cosmetology and heavy equipment operation instructors at the school;
• Approved the adult education instructors, hours and classes for the 2023 fall semester;
• Authorized the filing of the school lunch/breakfast program applications with the Ohio Department of Education for participation in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program;
• Authorized an amendment to the emergency operations plan and approved the safety emergency operations plan for the 2023-24 school year;
• Approved the purchase of furniture for the board room and treasurer's office from Borden Office Equipment and a single-sided LED sign from Off the Wall Signs;
• Approved an agreement with Gables Care Center for health tech students to gain clinical experience;
• Approved a field base operation agreement with Eastern Gateway Community College for the 2023-24 school year;
• Announced appreciation to administrators, office staff, custodians and maintenance staff for making all of the necessary preparations to start another school year;
• Set the next board meeting for 5 p.m. Sept. 19.