Lisbon school district Treasurer Jennifer Coldsnow accepts congratulations from Lisbon school board President T.K. Hiscox for the Ohio Auditor of State Award given to the district recently. In the photo, they’re holding recognition from the Ohio House of Representatives. Coldsnow credited her staff and a clean financial audit for the award. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)
LISBON — Lisbon school board members and Superintendent Joe Siefke offered kudos to district Treasurer Jennifer Coldsnow and her staff Thursday for the recently received Ohio Auditor of State Award.
“We had an excellent audit,” Coldsnow said.
The award was based on the 2023 financial audit and is given to school districts, cities, villages and public entities who display excellence in financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and compliance with applicable laws for the fiscal year.
“The citizens you represent are well-served by your effective and accountable financial practices,” the certificate signed by Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber said.
Coldsnow credited her staff, thanking them and saying they make her life easier. Her former assistant, Cathy Restifo, just retired and Terry Woyan was just elevated to assistant treasurer. Coldsnow also serves as the treasurer for the Leetonia school district and splits her time between Leetonia and Lisbon.
Also received was a resolution from the Ohio House of Representatives from state Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, R-Columbiana, congratulating the district on the award and saying the district “has earned the respect and appreciation of many for its vision to remain more efficient, effective and transparent.”
Coldsnow said it’s nice to receive the recognition and “to know that we’re doing things the way they’re supposed to be done.”
In other business, maintenance supervisor Roger Tullis reported the major project for the summer, the replacement of the roof at McKinley Elementary, is already complete. A concrete project at the bus garage is slated for the first week in July and the replacement door for the weight room of David Anderson Jr./Sr. High School is set for the second week of July. He’s also dealing with the annual summer inspections and room moves and cleaning.
Athletic Director Kyle Bing said scoreboard sponsors are being sought, noting there may be a few open spots. The costs are $7,500 for the top of the scoreboard and $5,000 for the bottom.
David Anderson Jr./Sr. High School Principal Keith Edenfield and McKinley School Principal Dan Kemats gave reports on end-of-school year activities and about staff taking advantage of professional development opportunities this summer.
The board accepted the resignation of band/choir director Kyle Zimmerman, who left after one year to go home as East Palestine’s new band director, and welcomed Boardman grad and Youngstown State University grad Dominic Meyer as the new high school band/choir director, hiring him at $36,916. Edenfield said he student taught at Lowellville and he already has a connection to Lisbon students and staff.
The board agreed to keep the rate of pay for substitute teachers at $110 a day, which Siefke said is the same at Columbiana and Leetonia school districts. He said the rate can always be reviewed if necessary.
In other personnel matters, the board: approved days of extended time for Director of Student Services Lisa Baker, 15 days, nurse Kella Haren, five days, and guidance counselor Melissa Kemats, eight days; approved new three-year administrative contracts from Aug. 1, 2024 to July 31, 2027 to special education coordinator Lynne Beech and maintenance supervisor Roger Tulles; approved a classified stipend o $7,000 per year to administrative assistant/EMIS coordinator Sally Brammer and assistant treasurer Terry Woyan due to additional roles; hired Beth Helman for custodial services at board offices; approved Heidi Daily as permanent substitute for food services; and established a stipend of $75 per student per course for online instructors for the second semester of 2023-2024 school year for Jon Burnell 21 students, Michael Miller 17 students, Jim Watt 12 students, Dave Crismon and Lauren Glenn nine students each, Ashley Wallace eight students, Natalie Vantilburg 16 students, Karly Rudibaugh, Beth Devine and Becky McCullough four students each.
The board issued a retire/rehire certified limited one-year contract effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 to Beth Hiscox, gifted coordinator, for $43,191, with T.K. Hiscox abstaining since they’re related.
In other business, the board: contracted with Gardiner of Solon for $16,272 per year for a service agreement for the heating and cooling systems; approved renewal of the liability insurance for one year with Liberty Mutual through Holloway Insurance; contracted with Finalsite for website design and upkeep for $4,800 from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025; opted out of providing career technical education to seventh and eighth grade students; approved services as a member of the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian School to 2024-2025 school year for $364; approved an online program agreement with Jefferson County Educational Service Center for next school year; entered an agreement with North Star Critical Care for ambulance served for the 2024 football season with the services donated; approved first reading o student handbooks for next school year; and approved a $978 subscription for SafeSchools Online Staff Training System.
The next school board meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the administration building.
mgreier@mojonews.com
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