Renovations and projects moving forward at Pomeroy School District

POMEROY–The District School Board heard updates on renovations and capital levy projects; of the many activities planned in the next month; and grant received.

Kelly McKeirnan provided the business manager’s report for the month. According to the minutes, he provided a breakdown of the playground renovation with costs of the project, as well as an update on the capital levy projects and budget. So far, the two main projects planned for the capital levy funds, the elementary roof, and playground. Currently bids are sought for the sidewalk on the east of the high school, which will be done next spring.

Superintendent Rachel Gwinn gave an overview of upcoming school activities. The elementary will collaborate with the PTO to conduct a family BINGO night on December 4. The scholastic book fair will take place in the high school library December 2-6—with the PTO managing the event. The Title 1 program will have a Cocoa, Books and Pajama reading morning as a kick-off to winter break on December 20. The playground continues to be a big hit with students and recess discipline referrals are down.

Gwinn stated and was reflected in the minutes the district received a grant for adaptive and inclusive technology for $10,000, which will help students with communication and hearing. The district purchased a new suburban, but still waiting on a new bus to be built.

The district received “Complete Compliance” from the State Board of Education for the implementation of all required courses and program for the 2024-25 school year.

Recourse and Safety Officer Jim Nelson advised that panic buttons have been installed with two in the elementary office, three in the high school office, and seven in the health district. The Garfield County Health District provided the funding for the system, and the county will be paying for the yearly costs for keeping the system activated. Jim also shared we are continuing to explore options for automatic door locks in both buildings. He indicated the goal is to be able to have this on system that can be scheduled and locked down immediately. This will be a costly implementation, but we are looking at possible grants to help support these costs.

Next board meeting is in the High School library on December 16 at 6 p.m.