Ron Carroll, program chairman, introduced Vince Colaluca, Supt. of Austintown schools and Rotary member.
Vince spoke about the current situation of schools, both positive and negatives. Among the positives was announcement of two teachers who won state honors, Shelley Best at AMS, and January Nelson at Fitch; both will be honored at the Board of Education meeting tonight. He spoke about open enrollment as a good thing for Austintown, with an increase from 200 last year to 375 this year, each of which brings $5700. of state funds with them. Mr. Colaluca cited the funding problems with both state and federal revenues, and was proud that Austintown schools are solvent and hoping to hold out until 2014 for things to improve. Voters were asked for new operating funds way back in 1996. The two new buildings are in the final phase of planning, and dirt should start moving this summer, as well as seeing parts of the Watson and Frank Ohl building removed to make room for the new elementary and intermediate buildings so they can open in the fall of 2013. The superintendent mentioned that state funds pay only for the buildings, not the technology aspects, so local experts are often consulted on building component systems and technology so the new buildings will serve future generations.
Vince spoke about the current situation of schools, both positive and negatives. Among the positives was announcement of two teachers who won state honors, Shelley Best at AMS, and January Nelson at Fitch; both will be honored at the Board of Education meeting tonight. He spoke about open enrollment as a good thing for Austintown, with an increase from 200 last year to 375 this year, each of which brings $5700. of state funds with them. Mr. Colaluca cited the funding problems with both state and federal revenues, and was proud that Austintown schools are solvent and hoping to hold out until 2014 for things to improve. Voters were asked for new operating funds way back in 1996. The two new buildings are in the final phase of planning, and dirt should start moving this summer, as well as seeing parts of the Watson and Frank Ohl building removed to make room for the new elementary and intermediate buildings so they can open in the fall of 2013. The superintendent mentioned that state funds pay only for the buildings, not the technology aspects, so local experts are often consulted on building component systems and technology so the new buildings will serve future generations.
President Susan Leetch called the meeting to order, asking Gary to lead invocation, pledge and God Bless America.
Visitors Guest was LeAnn (Mathes) Dugan, former member who works in Mark Cole's area.
Song leader Tony Cebriak, song leader, dedicated "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" to Brian Laraway for passing out cake, but really deserved all around.
ANNOUNCEMENTS • Gary announced Mentoring Day for April 4, with 18 girls participating from Interact, our own Melissa and Ram will be hosting. He encouraged members to make a good showing that day so we aren't outnumbered by guests.
• GSE team will be in town April 18, details for banquet forthcoming from Susan.
• Attached is Family Fun Fair notice for April 30 at Stark Co. Fairgrounds, lots of things to do as part of District Conference, we will be sending our wheel.
• Susan plans to have a board meeting at Lucianno's on Mar. 30, at 7:30 a.m., all welcome, counts as a makeup.
• Rescue Mission is Mar. 28, roadside cleanup on Kirk Road on April 9.
• Also Apr. 9 is Easter Seals "Walk with Me" at Boardman Park.
• Speaking of Boardman Park, Boardman Rotary's pancake breakfast is also next Sat/Sunday from 8-2, good food and good PR for Rotary.
• Susan will be getting "thank you" certificates for Chinese Auction donors, probably next meeting.
FELLOWSHIP: Robin Stock had fellowship, fined Gary and Ron unfairly, then anyone who watched March Madness
RAFFLE: Brian Frederick won the drawing, but not the big one, second week in row, see Brian if you need a loan, rolling in dough. Speaking of Brian, he announced the Relay for Life on June 10 at Fitch, would like to have a team and also help serve the survivors dinner again, volunteered to be chairman, good guy. We have a tent to use too.
PROGRAM: Ron Carroll, program chairman, introduced Vince Colaluca, Supt. of Austintown schools and Rotary member.
Vince spoke about the current situation of schools, both positive and negatives. Among the positives was announcement of two teachers who won state honors, Shelley Best at AMS, and January Nelson at Fitch; both will be honored at the Board of Education meeting tonight. Vince also mentioned the high regard in which teachers are held in Japan, part of US problem is lack of backing for teachers. He also cited the decline of family structure as a school problem though they are changing to meet needs, especially summer feeding programs for two meals a day, continuing the role of school in other months. He spoke about open enrollment as a good thing for Austintown, with an increase from 200 last year to 375 this year, each of which brings $5700. of state funds with them. Parents have to provide transportation, so feel committed to their student's success. These students accounted for only 1% of discipline problems, compared to 3% among general school population, and only 1 student was expelled in past two years that was open enrolled.
Mr. Colaluca cited the funding problems with both state and federal revenues, and was proud that Austintown schools are solvent and hoping to hold out until 2014 for things to improve. Voters were asked for new operating funds way back in 1996. The two new buildings are in the final phase of planning, and dirt should start moving this summer, as well as seeing parts of the Watson and Frank Ohl building removed to make room for the new elementary and intermediate buildings so they can open in the fall of 2013. The superintendent mentioned that state funds pay only for the buildings, not the technology aspects, so local experts are often consulted on building component systems and technology so the new buildings will serve future generations.
Visitors Guest was LeAnn (Mathes) Dugan, former member who works in Mark Cole's area.
Song leader Tony Cebriak, song leader, dedicated "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" to Brian Laraway for passing out cake, but really deserved all around.
ANNOUNCEMENTS • Gary announced Mentoring Day for April 4, with 18 girls participating from Interact, our own Melissa and Ram will be hosting. He encouraged members to make a good showing that day so we aren't outnumbered by guests.
• GSE team will be in town April 18, details for banquet forthcoming from Susan.
• Attached is Family Fun Fair notice for April 30 at Stark Co. Fairgrounds, lots of things to do as part of District Conference, we will be sending our wheel.
• Susan plans to have a board meeting at Lucianno's on Mar. 30, at 7:30 a.m., all welcome, counts as a makeup.
• Rescue Mission is Mar. 28, roadside cleanup on Kirk Road on April 9.
• Also Apr. 9 is Easter Seals "Walk with Me" at Boardman Park.
• Speaking of Boardman Park, Boardman Rotary's pancake breakfast is also next Sat/Sunday from 8-2, good food and good PR for Rotary.
• Susan will be getting "thank you" certificates for Chinese Auction donors, probably next meeting.
FELLOWSHIP: Robin Stock had fellowship, fined Gary and Ron unfairly, then anyone who watched March Madness
RAFFLE: Brian Frederick won the drawing, but not the big one, second week in row, see Brian if you need a loan, rolling in dough. Speaking of Brian, he announced the Relay for Life on June 10 at Fitch, would like to have a team and also help serve the survivors dinner again, volunteered to be chairman, good guy. We have a tent to use too.
PROGRAM: Ron Carroll, program chairman, introduced Vince Colaluca, Supt. of Austintown schools and Rotary member.
Vince spoke about the current situation of schools, both positive and negatives. Among the positives was announcement of two teachers who won state honors, Shelley Best at AMS, and January Nelson at Fitch; both will be honored at the Board of Education meeting tonight. Vince also mentioned the high regard in which teachers are held in Japan, part of US problem is lack of backing for teachers. He also cited the decline of family structure as a school problem though they are changing to meet needs, especially summer feeding programs for two meals a day, continuing the role of school in other months. He spoke about open enrollment as a good thing for Austintown, with an increase from 200 last year to 375 this year, each of which brings $5700. of state funds with them. Parents have to provide transportation, so feel committed to their student's success. These students accounted for only 1% of discipline problems, compared to 3% among general school population, and only 1 student was expelled in past two years that was open enrolled.
Mr. Colaluca cited the funding problems with both state and federal revenues, and was proud that Austintown schools are solvent and hoping to hold out until 2014 for things to improve. Voters were asked for new operating funds way back in 1996. The two new buildings are in the final phase of planning, and dirt should start moving this summer, as well as seeing parts of the Watson and Frank Ohl building removed to make room for the new elementary and intermediate buildings so they can open in the fall of 2013. The superintendent mentioned that state funds pay only for the buildings, not the technology aspects, so local experts are often consulted on building component systems and technology so the new buildings will serve future generations.