BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Addressing teachers prior to the start of the 2024-25 school year, new Boardman Supt. Chris Neifer spoke about four, key items---SWOT Analysis, Support and Perspective, a new strategic plan and establishment of a new building plan.
      “The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) is something I was promised during my interview process,” Neifer said, noting such an analysis will “help me to develop a strong focus as we build a strategic plan to help move the district forward.”
      According to the superintendent, providing support and perspective refers to his role in the district as the new leader of ‘Spartan nation.’
      “As I experience Boardman Local Schools from the inside, I get the chance to provide continue...Read More >>

     Boardman Township Community Day will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 at Boardman Park. The event opens at 4:30 p.m. and includes a 6:30 p.m. performance by No Funk No Justice at the Maag Outdoor Arts Theater, followed by fireworks. The event is free and open to the public.
      “Boardman Community Day impacts our community by providing an opportunity for the residents of Boardman Township to celebrate our history and fellowship with one another,” Karen McCallum, recreation and engagement director Boardman Park, said.
      Local township and park officials have worked together to organize the event.
      Schedule of Events
      4:30-6:30 p.m.: Community activities such as Touch a Truck vehicles, community tables, face painting, Painting the Plow, music, and inflatable activities.
      6:30 p.m.: L...Read More >>

     Meeting in August, the Boardman Board of Education approved Stephen Flores, 45, as the new head coach of the Boardman Spartans basketball team. He replaces longtime mentor Pat Birch who resigned to become assistant principal at Center Middle School.
      Flores has served as an assistant coach for Spartan cage programs since 2020.
      He takes over a team that went 5-19 a season ago, and that returns seven lettermen from a season ago.
      Boardman opens the 2024-25 cage campaign on Tues., Dec. 3 at Uniontown Lake.
      Prior to joining the Boardman program, Flores served as a middle school cage coach with Canfield Local Schools from 2018-2020; and previously was a basketball coach in the Youngstown City Schools for 15 years.
      Flores played prep ball at East Liverpool where he was a four y...Read More >>