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WINTERSVILLE -- The recent tragedy involving Tuscarawas Valley Schools has spurred suggestions for local chaperones to receive a safety lesson before utilizing buses.
During the Indian Creek Local Board of Education meeting at Cross Creek Elementary on Nov. 16, Indian Creek High School Band Boosters President Edward Cooley and secretary Tina Rawson were on hand to update leaders about fundraising and other happenings with the organization, but talks turned to safety after the Nov. 14 fatal chartered bus collision that killed six people, including three members of the Tusky Valley High School Marching Band and three adults who on their way to play for the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus.
Cooley said stories were emerging from the event, including the actions of the bus driver who helped passengers escape and ultimately saved many lives, and he was prompted to ask school leaders to help take some precautionary measures so people could respond accordingly during an actual emergency.
"We have chaperones that go with us a lot when we go on trips for football games. One of the things I wanted to see was if (officials) could give a safety brief. I think it's something that would have benefitted Tusky Valley if their chaperones had information. One individual got 90 percent of the people out of the bus (following that crash)," Cooley added.
He suggested having attendants learn how to use the emergency exits should an actual incident occur.
"I can provide the chaperones and they can go through the safety brief. Hopefully something like this can never happen again, although nobody could have changed the outcome."
Assistant Superintendent John Belt agreed, saying he would contact district Transportation Director Brenda Staffilino.
"I think that's a good idea and can speak to Brenda to make that happen," Belt responded.
The boosters plan to support Tusky Valley with a fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse on Wednesday. That evening, 10 percent of proceeds will be going to the school while ICHS Band members will sell cookies and other items.
"The kids will be handing out fliers and the band boosters will donate $1,000 to Tusky Valley," Cooley continued. "Everything we raise will go support Tusky Valley."
Superintendent T.C. Chappelear noted that many schools and people have been coming together to support Tusky Valley and he was proud to see Indian Creek also step up. One example was when ICHS and Indian Creek Middle School students donned red to honor the Tuscarawas County school district.
"Everybody's heart breaks when you see the news and that kind of event," he commented. "One thing about Indian Creek is when something like this happens, Indian Creek responds."
Cooley and Rawson updated the board on fundraising efforts to purchase new drums for the band.
"We've being doing a huge fundraiser to purchase more than $21,000 worth of drums. We've paid for all of the drums and some equipment has come in," Cooley said. "We're gradually getting the last seven drums in, and they should be coming over the next month."
Boosters officials also brought copies of amended bylaws for the board's review.
Board member Dr. John Figel praised the school band, saying it was a strong and thriving program.
"We take for granted what a great band we have. It takes a lot of dedication," Figel added. "I think the district is proud of what our band has accomplished and it's amazing what a great program we have here. We could have had our band go to OSBA as well. That could have been our kids."
Among other action:
• Leaders transferred $127,393 from the permanent improvement .75-mill fund to bond retirement 2022 Tax Anticipation Note fund to pay Dec. 1 and close out the certificate of completion on the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission new high school and elementary school projects;
• The school board approved its five-year forecast following an overview by district Treasurer Denise Todoroff, who said expenses were rising amid the eventual cessation of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding. Those funds have helped offset costs within the school budget, but future expenses will be incorporated into the district's general finances. Todoroff said the general fund has seen gains as of late which will carry Indian Creek through the forecast as the district loses escrow funding. She also reminded leaders of the renewal levy on the ballot in 2029;
• Jefferson County Educational Service Center Gifted Coordinator Linda Lenzi presented three 2023 Best Practice Grants totaling $1,980 to ICHS teacher Janet Maxon and ICHS teachers Michael Minor and Jaime McCumbers for their programs;
• The board approved the resignation of Hills Elementary intervention teacher Diane Sogan effective Nov. 30 for retirement after more than 39 years with the district;
• Belt highlighted construction projects around the campuses, including a sidewalk near the high school gym and the softball field dugouts. He planned to collect price quotes for summer projects;
• Chappelear praised the career-technical education department and its expanded offerings such as interactive media, supports and services, business and engineering to natural resources and performing arts and announced that an FFA organization was being developed at the high school;
• The district recognized JCESC Public Relations Coordinator Amy Gareis with a certificate for the Ohio School Boards Association Media Honor Roll;
• The next regular meeting was moved from Hills to ICHS at 6 p.m. Dec. 21.