RUSSIA — At the regular October meeting of the Russia Local School Board of Education, the board hired several staff members.

The board passed motions to employ/approve:

• Abigail Cooksey, Kaleb Page, Jane Kaurman, Jessica Bergman and Michael Martin as substitute teachers at a rate of $85 per day for the 2016-17 school year on an as-needed basis.

• Aubrey Rodriguez for a long-term substitute teacher for a maternity leave for Shannon Langston for the 2016-17 school year on an as needed basis.

• Bruce Borchers as assistant girls basketball coach at a rate of $2,156 for the 2016-17 school year.

• Roger Hammonds, Sara Neargarder, and Rodney Counts as Site Coordinators for the 2016-17 school year on an as needed basis.

• Dawn Luthman as junior high cheer advisor at an annual salary of $980 for the 2016-17 school year.

• Robert Osborne as volunteer bowling coach for the 2016-17 school year.

• Cindy Schulze, Larry Platfoot, Max Voisard, Ola Schafer, Rita Monnin, Cheryl Scott, and Keith Wuebker as scorebook keepers/game workers on a per game basis as needed for the 2016-17 school year.

Also at the meeting the board approved the five-year forecast, and reviewed the financial summary report, updated spending plan, and three-year spending plan.

The board accepted a donation of $276 from the RCA for education supplies.

Principal Brian Hogan updated the board on the plans for implementing the after-school tutoring program again for this year. Currently, there are 27 students participating.

Hogan informed the board of the upcoming third-grade fall reading test. Preparations are in the works to ensure that the students are comfortable with the technology prior to testing.

Superintendent Steven Rose presented details of the ESC Straight A Grant that was received earlier this year. It will provide opportunities for job shadowing as well as internship programs with local businesses.