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WINTERSVILLE -- The Indian Creek Local Board of Education named new leaders and talked future projects during a session on Jan. 11.
Officials first met for an organizational meeting at Indian Creek High School, where they swore in new members James Speece and Stephen Cowser along with incumbent Dr. Ted Starkey. Starkey was then chosen as board president with Daniel Bove to serve as vice president. The board approved policies and other operational business and announced committees for the year.
During the subsequent regular meeting, discussion turned to upgrades at the Robert Kettlewell Memorial Stadium and plans to reduce rising insurance costs in the district. Assistant Superintendent John Belt said a series of improvements are eyed for the stadium this summer, including concrete work, retaining walls and resurfacing of the Lester Carney Track.
"We're going to have an opportunity to work with (school architects) SoL Harris/Day," Belt said, adding that some much-needed projects should be fulfilled when school is out.
Among the projects are to push back the hillside near the scoreboard and add a retaining wall; create a concrete walkway at the small concession stand to eliminate muddy conditions in the current grassy area; place a second retaining wall near the general admission stand to prevent further slippage of the walkway; and duplicate a sidewalk around the track to the visitors' seating area. Additionally, there are plans to resurface the track since it has outlived its usefulness.
"It's been 10 years since it was resurfaced and it's (guaranteed to be) a seven-year track," Belt said, adding the update could occur either this summer or next.
He noted that all of the projects will be covered without touching current funds.
"The local interest from the bond will come in and the funding will be used for improvements, so we won't be using the general fund or permanent improvement funds," he continued.
Meanwhile, he said continuous work was being done on fencing around the site.
Superintendent T.C. Chappelear said the upgrades would be a welcome addition.
"The board's main concerns (during school construction) were being on time and being on budget, and for a project of that magnitude it was amazing. We're continuing to make the stadium a fantastic facility."
In other matters, the board discussed efforts to reduce rising insurance costs to operate the district more efficiently. Indian Creek Education Association President Karen Lloyd reported that teachers had been discussing ways to get the insurance class down, adding that they will work with Chappelear and Belt to remedy the situation.
"We're going to do what we can and want your support," Lloyd added. "We truly want to work to reduce costs. We are working not just for students, but to keep the district running well. I only want the best for Indian Creek."
Board member Dr. John Figel said the unions and district have worked well together in recent years, although that wasn't always the case in the past.
Chappelear commended the teachers and district Ohio Association of Public School Employees members for their efforts and said it was great to see everyone working together.
"This district, board and staff are working together for the district. We had an insurance meeting and discussed cost-saving measures," he commented. "We've been fortunate with what we've been able to accomplish over the last several years and a lot more is on the horizon."
Among other business:
≤ Treasurer Denise Todoroff reported that the district completed six months of the fiscal year and was on target with the forecast approved in November. The district will end the year with a nearly $5 million balance but will have to factor in the loss of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grant funds in the future;
≤ Leaders recognized the girls' swim team for winning the Buckeye 8 meet while the boys' team gained third; lauded the ICHS wrestling team for its hard work and praised the MAC tournament at ICMS; and touted the ICHS girls' basketball team for their winning streak;
≤ Approved a $6,000 donation from Charles Unsworth for the ICHS Band;
≤ Lloyd announced that Hills Elementary School would host literacy night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday;
≤ Officials set a planning meeting for 6 p.m. Feb. 1.