By Paula Pyzik Scott

The February 2024 Ada Board of Education meeting included a report on creating a school-based driver education program and a discussion on catching up with honoring individual contributions to the district.

The board heard reports from Ada Schools principals, which included an invitation from K-12 Assistant Principal Britton Devier to attend next year’s middle school snow tubing outing, which is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

K-12 Principal Dan Lee outlined the opportunity to create a driver education program with some $63.6K in Creating Opportunities for Driver Education (CODE) Grant funding through Muskingum County ESC. He noted that graduates without a driver’s license have a barrier to job opportunities. Both convenience and decreased cost–estimated at $350/student–would help students gain this important qualification and skill. Some students would qualify for an Ohio means Jobs fee waiver.

The grant would cover the initial three years of the program. Ada Schools would need to cover some $20-30K/year and a car would need to be purchased. The program would include 8 hours of drive time with an instructor and the opportunity to do online coursework during study hall. The board voted to accept the grant.

OLD BUSINESS
Board member Ted Griffith raised the topic of honoring exceptional coaches from past decades. No action was taken, but Devier noted that the Ada Alumni Association expects to add individuals to the Wall of Honor, filling some gaps. 

The next open meeting of the school board is at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, which will include a planning and regular session. Five executive sessions will be held in March related to hiring a new superintendent.

GRAPHIC Creating Opportunities for Driver Education (CODE) grant funding awards list