STEPPING DOWN — Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Treasurer Karen Spoonemore and Superintendent Todd Phillipson share a moment during the July 18 board meeting. Spoonemore will officially retire after 31 years on Monday. — Contributed
BLOOMINGDALE — The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education bid farewell to longtime treasurer Karen Spoonemore, who conducted her final session on July 18.
Spoonemore is retiring on Monday after 31 years of service and received congratulations and cupcakes for her last meeting. Board members thanked her for her dedication to the school and children through the years and she was modest about the conclusion of her tenure, simply saying she couldn’t believe it was happening. Superintendent Todd Phillipson also wished her well in her future.
“She has done a great job for the school, and I think she placed her heart in her work,” he said.
Spoonemore will remain as a consultant through October as incoming treasurer Marcy Thompson transitions into the role.
Meanwhile, the board’s agenda continued with topics ranging from the upcoming renewal levy to ongoing projects at the site. Officials discussed the levy at the June meeting but formally passed a resolution to place the 0.5-mill measure on the Nov. 7 general election ballot at the latest gathering. The levy is expected to generate $877,000 annually during the next 10 years starting in 2024 and will cover current expenses, purchases and/or replacement of tools, equipment, repairs, renovations, building reconstruction and related appurtenances.
Board members also discussed upgrades occurring in the building, including an estimated $294,490 renovation of the cosmetology lab with new stations, flooring, countertops, paint and a few design modifications in the salon. Buckeye Field Maintenance Inc., of Bloomingdale is overseeing the project and Phillipson said a $20,000 change order was approved for asbestos removal and overtime to complete the project in August.
The culinary arts program is also undergoing improvements at the Crestview Inn Restaurant with new carpeting, furniture, cabinets, equipment, windows and a door set at the site. The board approved a declaration of urgent necessity to complete the work and Phillipson hoped to see it finished over the next month. The total cost is more than $30,000 with work being performed by Cattrell Cos. Inc., of Toronto and flooring from Smitty’s Wholesale Carpet Warehouse of Steubenville, furnishings and equipment from National Equipment Co. of Wheeling and windows by Steubenville Plate and Window Glass Corp.
Among other projects are painting the criminal justice and Transition To Work labs plus two science classrooms and a related room by Keep It Clean Services of Steubenville and Phillipson said some updates are also being considered in the board room.
“(Administrative Assistant) Karen Grimm is looking at a table and chairs in the conference room and we may eventually remodel by removing the paneling and doing the floors,” he added. “It would be a nice improvement to the area.”
Board member Kim Mark asked if a cafe had been discussed for students. Phillipson said culinary arts provided coffee in the morning with the TTW program provided refreshments at lunch, but he could review the matter. The board approved the purchase of new equipment including a broadcast desk for the multimedia and design program, books and a mini excavator for the heavy equipment program and engine, airbag and lighting system trainers for the auto service technology program as well as sanitary sewer and water main repairs from Fort Steuben Maintenance.
“We found some backup (in the sewer line) with a camera last year but had no problems, but since it’s there they will dig and repair it,” the superintendent noted.
In other matters, the board:
≤ Learned that Karlee Warren, a senior in the early childhood education program, earned a silver medal at the Future Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference on July 2-6 in Denver. Warren, the daughter of Mike and Beth Rupert Warren of Wintersville;
≤ Discussed inviting superintendents and other school officials to future sessions to gather input and ideas to build upon JVS programs. Phillipson said they could and leaders have also attended stakeholder’s meetings at the school each December;
≤ Approved Tammy Sismondo as lead mentor for the 2023-24 school year;
≤ Accepted the resignation of Brooke Wilson, early childhood education and care aide, effective June 20, and named Tammi Middleton to a one-year limited contract for the position. The board also accepted the resignation of Kelly Prokopakis, health technologies aide, effective Aug. 1 for retirement purposes after more than 20 years of service. That position will be advertised;
≤ Approved a contract with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for the appointment of Randy Henry as the school resource officer for the 2023-24 school year;
≤ Approved the renewal of the district’s membership in the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy for the 2023-24 school year and a payment to the organization for EdChoice Voucher litigation dues;
≤ Approve an agreement with SaferWatch for a one-year service contract;
≤ Approved FFA Advisor Emily Moore and JVS Supervisor/Principal Andy Long to take four students to FFA National Competition on Sept. 14-17 in Springfield, Mass., and HOSA adviser Tammy Sismondo to take six students to the HOSA Washington Leadership Academy on Sept. 23-26 in Washington, D.C.; and
≤ Scheduled the next regular meeting for Aug. 15 at 5 p.m.