H-L community worried about senior class trip

BASCOM — The Hopewell-Loudon Board of Education listened to parent and student concerns about the fate of the senior class trip to Florida. Board president Rick Osterwalder made it clear that no decision would be made Wednesday evening. He said that the superintendent will be meeting the health department on Thursday. Comments included: "This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity for some students." "The media is over blowing the coronavirus situation" "Students have worked really hard to earn their way" "If the trip is cancelled, the students would lose all their money." "Parents and students should be surveyed or consulted before the board makes it decision." The board approved a new policy establishing a No Contact period for coaches and athletes. There is to be a moratorium beginning June 29 through July 5. There shall be no contact between coaches and athletes and no activities including conditioning. All athletic facilities are to be closed during this period. The board accepted donations from Smitty's Custom Automotive to football and baseball; ASE Construction and James Sauber to the Rainey Strong Scholarship, and Paul Cole Motors to the Class of 2021 and SADD. FFA received donations from Levengood Transport and Laminate Technologies. The board took action to: • Amend contract with Seneca County General Health District. • Renew contract with Ohio Educational Technology for membership at the cost of $2,354. • Continue membership with Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation Group at a rate of $2,150. • Make an agreement with Seneca County Sheriff's Office for a school resource officer from March 2 until May 26. • Approve chaperones for the senior class trip. • Approve overnight trip for Boys Cross Country Camp at Union Furnace. • Approve the 6th grade Outdoor Education Camp for Sept 14-16. • Join a consortium of school districts affected by the re-evaluation of the Rover Pipeline. In personnel matters resignations and retirement of Tracy Williams, Brian Ream and Janet Main were accepted. Supplemental contracts were approved for Teresa Jones, asst boys track and Alexander Wood, assist girls track. Richard Fox and Amy Masterson were approved as unpaid volunteers for track. Elizabeth Baugher was hired as resident educator mentor. One-year classified contracts were approved for Jeff Fahl and David Werner; a two-year contract was approved for Jennifer Hetzel. The board honored athletes Kaia Woods, Jordyn Jury, Caden Crawford for meeting milestones in their athletic careers. Paul Cole Motors was recognized for their support of the district and students. The April meeting of the board is scheduled for April 8 at 6:30 p.m.