MANSFIELD, Ohio — Congratulations were in order during Madison’s Local Schools regular monthly board of education meeting on Wednesday evening.
First to receive his ‘congratulations’ was Virgil Steward, 72, a Vietnam War veteran from Madison. He received his high school diploma during Wednesday evening’s meeting, 54 years after enlisting into the Marine Corps.
Steward served from 1961 to 1965 in Okinawa and Hawaii and on Wednesday evening, he was at a loss for words.
“Thank you. I guess I earned it,” said Steward as he examined his framed diploma.
“You represented Madison very well and we’re proud of you. We want to thank you for your service to the country and congratulations,” said Superintendent Lee Kaple. A resounding applause followed.
Starting his report to the board, Kaple said the schools, which have been in session for two weeks, are off to a great start and are prepared for another great school year. With a general congratulations to all the teachers and students, he moved on to the bus garage.
“I want to congratulate all of the bus drivers for getting them all here and home,” said Kaple as he gestured toward Dee Johnson, the district’s transportation supervisor.
Drivers needed
Johnson addressed the board Wednesday evening. The bus garage is in need of drivers.
“We have a total of 27 buses leaving the garage every day,” said Johnson. “But we have four or five drivers retiring at the end of the year so we’re looking to fill those positions now. We’re always looking.”
According to Johnson, new drivers would start as substitutes and gradually accumulate more work with additional routes. Once a driver has two routes, the individual can start receiving benefits, she said.
Career/tech recognition
Kaple included in his report that Madison High School’s career-technical programs received three As and a B during the 2013-14 school year, scores that placed Madison among the top performing schools in the state.
“I just want to congratulate Mr. Riggle — our vocational director — and all of our students for the job they’re doing in representing the career-tech program,” said Kaple.
In other news, the board approved the superintendent’s recommendation to enter into a $3,500 contract with a local tree removing company to remove 32 pine trees near the high school’s football field and tennis courts.
The next scheduled regular board meeting for Madison Local Schools is Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. Kaple said there will be a Federal Programs Annual Hearing Review during the next meeting.
