DUKE CENTER — The Otto-Eldred School Board interviewed three prospective candidates for a board seat in Eldred Township during their meeting Tuesday evening.
The seat was opened last month after the resignation of former board president Stephen Bell. The board heard from candidates Duane Wolfe, Lisa Beaver and Todd App.
After hearing from each candidate, the floor was open for a motion to elect one of the individuals. Ted Schweikart made a motion to appoint Beaver for the open seat. Joe Bennett seconded the motion and all board members voted “yes” to approve the motion. Beaver was then sworn in as a new board member and took her seat on the board.
After the appointment of Beaver, the board listened to a proposal from Smart Edge representatives on their findings from each school to show where they can reduce energy costs and enter into a GESA (Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement).
The guaranteed energy savings annual cost is projected to be $44,799. The initial price tag to implement cost savings upgrades was listed at $523,414, with $10,000 in incentives. This was on a proposed 15-year term outlook.
Officials said the upgrades would include such things as indoor/outdoor lighting, transformer replacement, rooftop upgrades, and ventilation.
Members of the board asked questions on the proposed agreement, and were given material to review. The board did not move to enter into a contract at this point in time, but welcomed all the energy savings information.
In other news, the board approved of various substitutes and para-professional staffing.
Jamie Fisher, Susan Magee, Shannon Terrette, Allison Krott, and Mary Sullivan were approved as substitute aides. Jamie Thomas, Cassie Button and Anna Argot were approved to be added to the substitute teacher list. Meanwhile, Fawn Miller was approved as a volunteer assistant for the girls basketball program, and Dan Manning as a volunteer for the trap team. Bill Cochran was approved to serve as a volunteer for the track and field team in the spring.
Meanwhile, a total of 50 senior history students were approved to attend a showing of “Hacksaw Ridge” at the Carmike 8 Theater in Allegany, N.Y.
Teachers in the history department feel the content would enhance the curriculum. Also, 40 sophomore students will attend the JCC Career Fair on Dec. 2. The show choir and jazz band gained approved to change their previous scheduled Florida sojourn to a trip to Nashville, Tenn., in April. Lastly, Julie Cochran was approved to attend a free Microsoft 365 training in Rochester, N.Y., in November, only travel expenses would be incurred.
It was also noted the board met in executive session for approximately 15 minutes to address a personnel issue.
The district will be sending out surveys to all students, staff, parents and community members in hopes to get feedback on the district schools. The district will also be looking to hire a special education professional.
