Madison-Plains fifth-graders recognized for their achievements in the DARE program are: (from left) Brooklyn Randles, Carmine Hood, Wyatt Stone, Damien Withers and Remington Wight.
(Posted April 18, 2019)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Recognition of achievements dominated the April 16 Madison-Plains school board meeting.
Among those congratulated were the district’s top DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) students. Brooklyn Randles won a 32-inch smart television as the top point-getter in the class. Her participation, vigilance and leadership stood out above the rest. Top Gun honors went to Carmine Hood, Wyatt Stone, Remington Wight and Damien Withers, all of whom read their winning essays aloud at DARE graduation. All of the students are fifth-graders.
Mike Siders, coach of the high school’s powerlifting team, praised his athletes for making school history as the district’s first state champions. The boys’ and girls’ teams both won titles at the 32nd Annual Bill McClain Ohio State Powerlifting Meet.
Madison-Plains Superintendent Chad Eisler (left) and elementary school Principal Brad Miller recognize custodian Sam Stires (right) for his good work at the elementary building.
“The challenge is to keep this train going,” Siders said, thanking the administration and the community for their support of the program.
The district has started a new program by which they choose one staff member per month to recognize for good work. This month, they recognized Sam Stires, custodian for the kindergarten through sixth-grade building.
“There’s none better,” said Brad Miller, elementary school principal, adding that Stires is thorough, knowledgeable, helpful and personable.
Additionally, the board approved a list of 88 seniors who are scheduled to participate in graduation ceremonies on May 24.
Personnel
The board voted 4-0 to terminate the employment of the school district’s technology coordinator. Board member Cory Coburn was absent.
The district placed the employee on administrative leave on Jan. 22 following “a report of his serious misconduct involving a minor student, as well as his misuse of district technology.” The board initiated termination proceedings on March 19 and sent written notice to the employee, who did not demand a hearing on the matter.
In other personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Jenny Wethington as head girls’ soccer coach and Jon Phillip Emrick as head mechanic. Emrick has worked for the district for 42 years.
“We appreciate all of his hard work and dedication to Madison-Plains,” said board President Mark Mason.
Committees
The facility and grounds committee is discussing the idea of establishing an auxiliary athletic field behind the existing baseball field. The auxiliary field would reduce wear and tear on the football field, which several sports teams in the district use. Mason noted that the costs associated with establishing the additional field would be minor.
The district’s communication committee is discussing the possibility of creating a district mobile app and redesigning the district website.
The next Madison-Plains school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. May 14 in the district meeting room at the elementary building.
