EAST PALESTINE — Engineering for a new school health clinic and renovations to existing clinics are expected to begin in the coming weeks, East Palestine Superintendent James Rook said at the school board meeting of the district on Monday.

East Palestine received a boost from the Appalachian Community Grants program in March to expand and improve access to health care for students in partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital. East Palestine and Crestview shared $488,196 of the $7.5 million allocated to develop and expand school-based health centers throughout Ohio. Funding came from the new Appalachian Children’s Health Initiative.

East Palestine had already announced that it had reserved space in primary and secondary schools to house a school clinic. Additionally, grant money will be used to fund a primary health care provider.

While school-based services are not intended to replace a student’s primary care physician, they are intended to support health systems already in place and ensure equitable health services. According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, school services may include preventive care, including annual physicals and immunizations, acute illnesses, health services and supports. mental health and behavioral health, oral health and vision services, and chronic disease management.

Rook said the clinic would offer telehealth services to students in East Palestine.

Separately, Rook announced that the district is working on an EPA air quality grant (with the Shale Academy and the Columbiana County Career and Tech Center) as well as a grant with Gardner to study and improve air quality. HVAC Efficiency through the Ohio Department of Health. Development Energy Savings Grant.

Rook discussed other partnerships between the district, including a collaboration with Team Workforce, Humtown Industry and students through the Railway Hero program to develop a patented rail sensor that would have prevented last year’s derailment.

“The goal is to raise funds, support our community and prevent disasters like the derailment. » Rook explained. “It’s pretty exciting.”

The district has also partnered with the East Palestine Resiliency Center – a facility located at 50410 State Route 14 in Unity Township that offers mental services through the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board – to support students with low attendance.

Regarding the items on the agenda, the school board responded to several staff requests. The board approved 10 additional athletic contracts: Jordan Baker (men’s basketball), Levi Kunselman (wrestling), Clarence Andre (softball), Tristan Reynolds (men’s basketball), John Bistarkey (men’s basketball), Mike McDonaugh (men’s basketball ), Parker Sherry. (men’s basketball), Jill Baird (women’s basketball), Joclyn Fristik (women’s basketball), Carson Rutledge (women’s basketball) and Kevin McKinstry (women’s basketball) – and two volunteer women’s basketball coaches – Adyson Glavan and Alexis Gates. The board rescinded the retirement notice for teacher Mary Falcone and approved the retirement notices for Falcone (now effective May 31) and fellow elementary school teacher Connie Offenburg (also effective May 31).

The Board of Directors also accepted the resignation of Board Treasurer Rick Ellis (effective January 31, 2025), on the condition that he be rehired on February 4, 2025. The Board of Directors set a public hearing on this issue on December 9 at 6 p.m. in the elementary media library. The move will reduce Ellis’ salary.

Also at Monday’s meeting:

— Rook reported that the gymnasium bleachers that were supposed to be installed this week encountered a problem due to Hurricane Helene impacting the supply company. At the time of the meeting, the new installation date is November 11.

— It was announced that the district will celebrate Veterans Day with a breakfast at the First Church of Christ on Monday, followed by a parade at 10 a.m.

— Rook reported that a faulty kitchen sensor that triggered the fire alarm will be replaced Thursday.

— The board approved a transportation contract for a Heartland Christian student, a third-grade field trip to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh on May 23 and three open enrollment students.

— The board approved a resolution approving return advances (IDEA Preschool $5,033 and IDEA Part B $179) totaling $5,212 to the general fund.

— The board congratulated student Alyssa Dilling for being named to the Columbiana County Business Advisory Council.

— The first reading of Board Policies 2260.01, 0131.1, 1615, 2114, 2412 and 2271 occurred with the adoption of 2266 to comply with administrative changes and state laws and regulations.

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