RUSSIA — The Russia Board of Education prepared for the 2017-18 year by awarding contracts during its regular meeting, May 17.

No new employees were hired during the meeting; however, 11 teachers were kept on with limited teaching contracts and two teachers were approved on a continuing contract. Four employees were also hired on classified contracts.

Rachel Gregg was hired as K-12 guidance counselor, with 11 days of extended time. She was previously the elementary guidance counselor.

Kathy Bevans was hired as a part-time teacher, and Jacklyn Lawrence was hired as a substitute teacher at a rate of $85 per day on an as-needed basis.

Two extended-year service providers were hired for the 2016-17 year, with a salary of $20 per hour on an as-needed basis, with Mary Cox not to exceed 30 hours and Joseph Thomas not to exceed 15.

Missy Seger was hired as an assistant cook for the 2017-18 year.

Jennifer Wysocki’s resignation from teaching fifth- and sixth-grade science was accepted, effective at the end of the 2016-17 school year.

Superintendent Steve Rose updated the board on the status of the replacement windows project, which is now complete. He also updated the board on the progress of the Russia Wellness Building Project for the storage facility, which has been erected near the track.

Principal Brian Hogan reported to the board on various awards programs including DARE graduation and field day, as well as on the upcoming graduation and summer school.

Michelle Muhlenkamp discussed Get REAL Week, which was in conjunction with Monster students. It will take place annually because of its success.

The district accepted the donation of an energy bike valued at $4,000. The bike can be used to show students how much work goes into generating energy as well as providing a visual representation of energy. They also accepted a donation of $1,500 from the family of Paul Cordonnier for a scholarship and $250 from Daryl Sherman through the Honda Hero Program.

Students who met the requirements were approved by the board for graduation with the class of 2017.

The board went into an executive session to discuss personnel employment.

The next Russia Board of Education meeting will be June 22 at 7 p.m.