School Board Update
Pleasant Local Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION UDPATE FOR THE WEEK OF 4/23/23
Message from Board President Annette Holler
At each board meeting, we ask school leadership to provide updates on the work our students and staff do every day in our schools. These updates offer valuable insights into the district's initiatives and accomplishments, as well as areas where we are focusing our efforts to improve.
Superintendent's Update
Superintendent Tom McDonnell gave a special thanks to four staff members who have announced their plans to retire at the end of this school year:
- Julie Kubbs - Elementary Music teacher
- Jean Smith - High School English teacher
- Dolly Russell - High School secretary
- Vicki Thompson - Cafeteria worker
Mr. McDonnell also discussed that the district leadership team has been discussing the importance of internal and external communication over the next several months as the district begins work on some of our permanent improvement projects. One of the projects approved this week by the Board of Education was a new elementary playground that had been selected with input from the Elementary staff!
Treasurer's Update
Treasurer/CFO James Corbeil reported that The Pleasant Local Schools Board recently approved an agreement with Energy Optimizers, USA, LLC to implement energy efficiency and cost-saving projects in the district. The agreement will allocate $1.5 million from Permanent Improvement Funds to carry out various projects aimed at reducing costs and promoting environmental conservation. The projects to be implemented include roof replacement and repair at the elementary school, LED lighting, HVAC, and other mechanical upgrades at the transportation garage, LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, painting, flooring, and ceiling tile replacement at the student weight room, and LED lighting, plumbing upgrades, bathroom and shower renovations, and bottle fill stations at the fieldhouse.
The Board of Education approved Advanced Demolition Services, LLC as the contractor for the abatement and demolition of the old middle school project.
The Board has also approved proposals from Kinetic Recreation and Professional Pavement Services for the Elementary Playground and blacktop. We can’t wait to see how excited all of the kiddos will be when they get to utilize this improved space.
STUDENT SERVICES
Dr. Shelly Dason, Director of Student Services, presented on the Marion Area Workforce Acceleration Collaborative (MAWAC). The focus of MAWAC is to foster the development of professional skills necessary for future careers, build partnerships between industry and education personnel, and coordinate experiences that enable students to demonstrate proficiency in critical professional and specialized skills that will enhance their employability. By working collaboratively, MAWAC aims to strengthen the connection between education and the workforce, ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter the job market with the skills and knowledge required for success.
MAWAC has been recognized for our focused work in preparing our students for future Education Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment, and Entrepreneurship opportunities. The Business-Education Leader Awards for Excellent Business Advisory Councils recognized MAWAC as a three-star rated Business Advisory Council for their exceptional work building strong partnerships to instill professional skills for future careers and coordinating experiences for students.
Pleasant’s Bitty Spartan’s Preschool will be located in the lower primary wing (PK-2) at the elementary building for the 2023-24 school year. Seats are filling up quickly with a few spots left. Call 740-387-6625 or email slindsey@ncoesc for more information.
The Boys and Girls Club presented details on the district’s first before and after child care programming at the elementary school for students in K-4, starting SY 23-24.
ACADEMICS
State testing began last week and will continue for the next two weeks. The district is working diligently to ensure a smooth testing process for all students involved.
Elementary School Principal Travis Isser reported that the elementary team has looked at three different ELA curriculums that align with the Science of Reading/new dyslexia laws. They are narrowing it down and will be selecting one by the end of the week. Teacher Appreciation Week will take place the week of May 8th, featuring a "Friends" theme, with the PTO generously donating time, energy, and effort to make all staff feel appreciated.
Middle School Principal Mickey Malcom, alongside Leslie Conway, has been working with the ELA and Math departments to explore methods for accelerating student learning and achievement in both subject areas.
Mr. Malcom expressed his gratitude to the Super Subs, Beth Lichtenberger and Jennifer McBride, as well as the regular substitute teachers, for their dedication and hard work. Mr. Malcolm reflected on what’s ahead for the district as May is set to be a busy month. 5th-grade students attending camp and 8th graders heading to Washington, D.C.
High School Principal Steve Ringer highlighted the efforts of Tri-Rivers students who participated in a community service day last week, during which they assisted the grounds crew in spreading mulch throughout the campus. Additionally, he shared that significant improvements have been made to the recording and playback setup in both rooms. The upgraded systems now feature Bluetooth/media players, ceiling speakers and amplifiers, ceiling microphones for room recording, and interface/mixer units. Mr. Ringer also noted that Prom will be held at All Occasions on the upcoming Saturday.
SAFETY
Principal Ringer met with Chief Canterbury, Assistant Chief Hollenbaugh, Sara McNamee, School Resource Officer Reed, and Julie Foster to evaluate the District Safety Plan. The purpose of the meeting was to update the plan and to determine which parts of it will be exercised during the "Full Scale Drill" scheduled for next fall.
School Resource Office Deputy Reed presented on the new Ohio distracted driving law. Details on the new law, which became effective on April 4, 2023, can be found at www.PhonesDown.Ohio.gov.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology Coordinator Vern Kollas shared that the wireless network projects for the bus garage, field house, and press box are underway and are expected to be completed by the end of May, which will provide better coverage and faster speeds for users in these areas. Additionally, orders for more Chromebooks will be placed by the end of April to ensure availability for the upcoming school year. The district will be replacing projectors and sound systems in several classrooms in the elementary school will be done over summer break to minimize disruptions to classroom instruction.
TRANSPORTATION
The district held its first official meeting with Transfinder, a routing software company, to streamline bus routing processes and documentation. Two new buses are expected to be delivered within the next few weeks, and once inspected and equipped with two-way radios, they will be put into use.
DONORS AND SPONSORS
This past month we had numerous donors who helped send our robotics clubs to the world championship in Texas.
Whirlpool Corp.
Mid-City Electric Co.
Corbeil Family
Pleasant Academic Boosters
Wilkinson & Associates
The American Legion also made a donation to the High School.
740-389-4476
PLEASANT LOCAL SCHOOLS
1117 Owens Road West | Marion, OH 43302
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