The Boardman Board of Education approved a new policy, “Third Grade Reading Guarantee’ during its November meeting.
      The policy recognizes ‘the importance of the development of English language skills’ through assessments and tutoring services “in order to provide a meaningful tool to identify and assist students in achieving proficiency in English...”
      The new policy and accompanying new procedure requires the Boardman Local School District evaluate English reading skills of every kindergarten through third grade student by Sept. 30 in an effort to identify students who cannot read.
      According to the new policy, parents of students who cannot read will be notified, and students will be immediately enrolled in an intensive reading program.
      Notification to parents will include a description of proposed supplemental instruction, and notice that unless a student attains an appropriate level of reading competency by the end of third grade, the student will be retained.
      Also in November, the local school board approved supplemental contracts for the following:
      Jesse McClain, Esq., Allison Morgan, Whitney Resch, Paula Ritter and Brandy Barborak, Center Middle academic team advisors; Justin Coffin, Glenwood Middle eighth grade boys basketball coach; Scott Lenhart, Dave Nypaver, Gina Ries, Nicole Sahli, Kristina Tokash, Andrew Wade and Jen Dravecky, Glenwood Middle academic team advisors; Katelyn Deladurantey, Center Middle dramatics director; Christl DeNiro and Lisa Graziani, high school varsity wrestlettes advisors; Ryan Holmes, Glenwood Middle assistant wrestling coach; Kevin Johnson, Glenwood Middle eighth grade girls basketball coach; Jacqwan Liles, assistant high school basketball coach; Justin Powell, former Ohio prep wrestling champion as Center Middle head wrestling coach; Doug Velasquez, Glenwood Middle head wrestling coach; and Rick Zupko, Center Middle assistant wrestling coach.
      Approved as volunteer coaches were Mark Calautti, assistant high school boys basketball coach; Jack Raver, assistant high school wrestling coach; and Bill Stanton, assistant high school boys basketball coach.
      The board’s agenda also listed Fri., Dec. 21 as the last day of classes for winter recess. Classes will resume on Wed., Jan. 2.