Cumberland School Board Hears from Residents

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Published on April 22 2015 5:28 pm
Last Updated on April 22 2015 5:28 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Cumberland school board took time to recognize a longtime supporter of education at this month's meeting.

Marje Jackson was recognized for 49 years' service to the Cumberland district. Jackson taught in Cumberland schools from 1966 to 2002, and then joined the school board that same year and wrapped up her service at this month's meeting.

Jackson was presented a plaque crafted by the high school Industrial Arts students to honor her service.

The Board heard from local resident Linda Bruner, who is trying to resurrected a bullying committee that had been in place but came to an end when those involved left the district.

Bruner said she'd spoken with Cumberland teachers as a resource for students being bullied, but found just two Yeses from teachers comfortable with being a go-to for students. She said the other teachers were scared to be involved.

School Board President Jack Ingram said the Board will have a standing committee on bullying and harassment. Superintendent Todd Butler responded to Bruner that the Board policy on the topic is on the District website, but will provide Bruner with the information.

The Board also heard from Mallory Sowers, who was concerned about her son's IEP, which guides his instruction.

Board members also heard from Tonya Napier, who has been banned from extracurriculars because of her personal Facebook post regarding basketball coach Justin Roedl. Tony Napier also spoke. Ingram said the Board would review policies and contracts, and would Butler respond to the Napiers.

In other business, the Cumberland board heard Baccalaureate will be held on May 24 at 2pm with graduation ceremonies to follow, and that May 27 will be the final day of the school year for a teacher's institute.

The Board approved support staff job descriptions; approved membership in the IESA for the coming school year; authorized Butler to start work on the new fiscal year budget; and approved the issuance of $1.544 million in school bonds to finance sidewalk improvements and other safety work on the school campus.

In personnel moves, the Cumberland board hired Sydney Stults as a non-tenured teacher, named Lucas Watkins the new head football coach; approved Audra Gobel as high school head volleyball coach; named Jim Miller head high school cross country coach; hired Kenny Flier as middle school assistant softball coach; named Paula Gast the high school dance coach; approved Davonna Dittamore as middle school cheerleading coach; and reassigned two teachers, Kari Bierman to teach second grade and Katie Weathers to teach third grade. A resignation was accepted from Justin Roedl as high school golf coach; Amy Sandschafer was named elementary PBIS Internal Coach; and a reorganization meeting of the Board was set for April 28.