READY FOR 2026 — Members of the Indian Creek Local Board of Education have reorganized for the new year. On hand were, from left, front, board President Stephen Cowser, Superintendent T.C. Chappelear and board Vice President Andrew Speece; back, district Treasurer Adam Lewis; board members Dr. Ted Starkey, Brianne Schoolcraft and Daniel Bove Jr.; and Assistant Superintendent John Belt. -- Contributed

MINGO JUNCTION — Brianne Schoolcraft took the oath of office to become the newest member of the Indian Creek Board of Education during the panel’s organizational meeting on Jan. 8.

Schoolcraft, a resident of Wintersville, joined incumbent board member Daniel Bove Jr., who also was re-elected in November, and were sworn in by district Treasurer Adam Lewis at the beginning of the meeting. She fills a seat vacated by longtime board member Dr. John Figel, who opted not to seek re-election after three decades of service, and said she will do her utmost to fulfill her duties.

“I am proud and excited to join the Indian Creek school board,” Schoolcraft said. “I hope to help the district by listening and allowing open communication with our educators, students, and community. It is important to me to ensure we truly serve our students and staff.”

Schoolcraft, who serves as cosmetology program instructor at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, is a familiar face in Redskin territory, particularly as an Indian Creek High School alumna and through her involvement with the Indian Creek Foundation Board, Indian Creek Football Parents Club, and the Indian Creek Athletic Boosters. As a board member, her goals include ensuring the district’s future through financial responsibility, making careful decisions to protect its stability, and moving it forward to become even better than before.

“I am eager to partner with district leaders and be a strong advocate for all students, staff, and community members,” she commented.

Meanwhile, Stephen Cowser and James Speece were elected and sworn in as board president and vice president, respectively, and officials approved a series of operational business for the new year before concluding the session. During the subsequent regular meeting, the board took action on a number of items including the approval of a safety grant through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

Assistant Superintendent John Belt said the grant, which totals more than $8,497, is based upon a formula utilizing student attendance and the windfall will likely help combat vaping by adding detectors at the high school. Additionally, he said installation was set for new steps at Kettlewell Memorial Stadium that following Monday while recent snow delayed work at the Jefferson County Innovation Center near Indian Creek Middle School in Mingo Junction by nine days; however, contractors anticipated no problems making up for the lost time.

During his report, Superintendent T.C. Chappelear honored officials for School Board Appreciation Month in January by providing certificates to members. He said a board appreciation dinner was also being set. Chappelear noted that he came from a family of educators, and he’s come to appreciate the work that the board does to improve the district and the lives of its students.

“You get to see the democratic process as superintendent. I love this process and enjoy being a part of it, and I enjoy the boards we have had over the years at Indian Creek,” he continued. “I appreciate the job you do for the kids of Indian Creek and the community of Indian Creek.”

Among other matters:

• Judy Johnson, president of the Ohio Association of Public Service Employees union, welcomed officials back to the new year and expressed her gratitude for the new ParentSquare communication platform implemented within the district, plus she noted that Hills Elementary students raised $640 through a fundraiser to support the Smithfield family affected by a fatal fire;

• District Public Relations Specialist Amy Colantoni updated leaders on social media and other communications efforts, including ParentSquare and the establishment of a new Indian Creek Instagram account to further highlight district activities and compliment other media supports. She also commented on efforts to promote the district’s Healthy Worksite Award, an alumni relations-based Words of Wisdom series where past students share insight and advice with upcoming graduates, media and strategic communication to promote preschool registration, and further plans to work with school, community, and business leaders to build a strong, connected district;

• District Food Service Director Nicole Marshall said ICMS received a new oven and also outlined upcoming activities in the school cafeterias, including commemoration of the Chinese Lunar New Year with related meals;

• The board accepted the resignation of Indian Creek High School science teacher Kristin Davies, effective Thursday for personal reasons;

• Bove updated the board on student activities, including ICHS girls’ basketball, which so far yielded a 12-1 record; Big 22 Awards given to ICHS football coach Andrew Connor as IV-A Coach of the Year, Bruce Mazar as Defensive Player of the Year nominee; Nishon White as Offensive Line Block of Granite; Luke McMillion as Defensive Line Block of Granite; and Ian Starkey as Big 25 Top 5 finalist for Player of the Year. More honors included ICHS football team earning Academic All-Ohio for the 15th consecutive year, Starkey and McMillion being named Academic All-Ohio individuals, ICMS wrestling finishing second at the Creek meet, and ICHS wrestling finishing fourth overall at St. Clairsville out of 22 teams while Starkey and McMillion each placed first at Barnesville.

• The board scheduled a planning session for 6 p.m. Feb. 5 at the high school.