Barnesville School Board Moves on Grant Application, Hears Administrative Reports
James Benner, Sr., transportation planner/GIS coordinator for the Bel-O-Mar Regional Planning Council, was present at the November board meeting to describe the Safe Routes to School Travel program and to answer any questions.
The popular state program’s goal is to ensure “walking and biking in Ohio will be a safe, convenient, and accessible transportation option” within two miles of a public school.
Partnering with the Barnesville School District, local members identified 24 areas for improvement from handicapped sidewalk crossings, addition of pedestrian signals to sidewalk repairs. Most of this work would take place in the center of town near the elementary school while three of them are on the east side near the high school and middle school complexes.
Bremmer said this will be the first grant for the program by his agency. He said “Barnesville is a great community that I have always appreciated” and is an ideal candidate for the program.
Moving forward on the application for the $500,000, 100% refundable grant was made by the Board. The village is the lead applicant for the grant.
High School Principal Ron Clark shared that Freshmen students recently visited the Belmont Career Center. As Juniors and Seniors, they will need to decide if they wish to pursue vocational training programs at the center.
Several students plan to attend the Charlie Wilson Leadership Conference at a Career Day,
Treasurer Adam Quirk reported the Public Address System in the high school gym needs replaced and the education foundation may cover costs. One estimate received was quite high. One idea floated was to contract the work through the East Central Service Center who has undertaken similar work for several other districts.
Athletic Director Brad Hannahs reported winter sports schedules are out. He is currently working on spring sports game schedules.
Hannahs also noted the upcoming Doan Ford Invitational Wrestling Tournament the second weekend in December brings many people to Barnesville.
Zach Powell, elementary principal, shared news of the Veterans Day program and students of the month for October and November while middle school principal Casey Mayo said the Girl Scouts Halloween Dance drew a crowd of 160.
Mayo also talked about how the Veteran’s Lunch provided an opportunity for students to hear directly from the former members of the armed forces, a really rewarding, educational event.
Two Spring dates shared by Mayo were the Cutting Class for a Cure event set for May 16th and 8th Grade Graduation on May 19.
Blattler reported that the recently placed chillers at the elementary school needed some additional work while the newly installed boilers are complete.
The transportation director said new bus purchases should be considered in 2025. Although there are financial incentives to purchase electric buses, the length of bus routes and hilly conditions do not lend themselves to electric that will only go 60 miles on a single charge. Instead, Blattler felt propane is a better option.
An exchange centered on security cameras, their replacements, other security matters, and building air quality testing took place.
Food Service Director Jessica Ackerman invited board members to take part in Thanksgiving meals the following week. It was also noted food costs have increased this year with the expanded free breakfast and lunch program.
