RUSSIA — The Russia Board of Education met, Jan. 15.

Joshua Francis was nominated and sworn in as the board’s president, other board positions were filled and a number of funding ordinances were passed.

Francis was nominated to be president, and, with no competition for the role, was sworn in by the treasurer. Brian Pinchot was nominated to be the board’s vice president, unopposed by any other nominations. The treasurer also swore him in. Compensation for board members was set at $40 per meeting. A board service fund of $1,000 was established, and the third Wednesday of each month was selected for board meetings.

The Sidney Daily News was designated as the official newspaper for the Russia Local School District.

Board members were placed on the three committees. Maria Hoehne and Chelsea Hoying were placed on the Administrative Advisory Committee, Doug Hoying and Brian Pinchot were placed on the Building and Grounds Committee and Pinchot and Francis will both serve on the Finance and Negotiations Committee.

Several standing financial authorizations were passed, allowing the treasurer to secure advances from the Shelby County auditor when funds are available to the school district, to invest any active and inactive funds “at the most productive interest rate.” Additionally, the treasurer was authorized to pay bills within the appropriation measure and, alongside the president, to borrow funds to help cover tax receipts.

The Russia superintendent was authorized to employ temporary personnel in emergency situations, to serve as the purchasing agent for the district, to act as the Title IX compliance officer, and to appoint Steve Rose and Rachel Gregg to serve as the Russia Local School sexual harassment officers.

Lastly, a motion passed establishing a reimbursement rate for mileage at 43 cents per mile, and 45 cents per mile for special education staff, for 2019.