SPARTA — The Highland school board held its monthly meeting Wednesday in the high school library, where Assistant Superintendent Nate Huffman announced that the Highland Local School District now has an official Facebook page.
The page was created shortly after last month’s school board meeting, where members of the Highland community expressed a desire for better communication between school administrators and parents.
“It’s just another way to communicate. We’re still going to send emails, still use our school messenger, our phone system,” he said. “It’s just another tool.”
Huffman also shares school news on his personal Twitter page and will begin emailing district newsletters this school year.
The board heard updates from Huffman and all three building principals, as well as Food Service Director Deb Hart.
Elementary Principal Shawn Winkelfoos informed the board that an eight foot high rock wall has been installed in the gym. The rock wall and other physical education equipment was funded by a grant the school received last year from UnitedHealthcare.
The board also heard from Bill Loebick, chairman of the Morrow County Park District. Board members voted in favor of a resolution supporting the park district as it applies for grant funding from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund. The park district is partnering with The Trust for Public Land in its efforts to purchase the Buckhorn Camp property on County Road 121 and turn it into a county park. The resolution does not entail any financial assistance from the district, but serves as an expression of support for the park district’s efforts.
Treasurer Jon Mason reminded the public that a half mill maintenance levy will be on the November ballot. Since other levies will be expiring, residents will not see their property taxes go up if the levy passes.
“It says new because it is new, but it’s basically a continuation of what we have,” said Mason.
The board also:
•Approved an agreement with the Ohio State University/Mansfield to provide consulting services during the 2019-2020 school year as part of the Mathematics Literacy Initiative.
•Accepted the resignation of cross country aide Jennifer Bolton.
•Approved an electricity purchasing contract with IGS.
•Approved the employment of associate band directors Angelina Banks and Paige Stewart, middle school custodian John Doles, elementary aide Michelle Marcum, preschool bus aide Tina Griffith and elementary aide Tina White.
