RUSSIA — A donation of 9.36 acres was accepted by the Russia Board of Education during its March 21 meeting. The land, which is located east of the Russia park, includes the all-weather track, storage unit and grassy parking area. The Russia Wellness Foundation donated the land to the school district.

Also passed was a motion to accept a donation of $800 from the Russia Athletic Boosters to be used for the costs associated with gym cleaning after home events.

Superintendent Steven Rose updated the board on the delivery of a new bus, as well as a used bus that the district is purchasing. The board passed a motion to approve the purchase of the 2008 Thomas bus from Cardinal Bus at a price of $5,600. The bus currently has 110,000 miles.

A motion was passed to approve an additional half personal day to staff members who worked on a snow day for the kindergarten screening.

Two motions were passed to approve contracts with the Village of Russia; one for the use of the 2018 73-inch Ferris Lawnmower through Dec. 31 of this year, and one for miscellaneous equipment rental from March 2018, through March 2019.

The board approved the hire of of Ed Magoto, Grace York and Casie Lawrence as volunteer assistant track coaches for the 2017-18 school year; as well as Bridgette Moneymaker as a substitute teacher at a rate of $90 per day for the 2017-18 school year on an as needed basis.

Principal Brian Hogan addressed the board regarding the annual kindergarten screening. It is anticipated that the kindergarten class for next school year will be in the mid 30s.

Hogan also informed the board about a fundraiser that is to be held by the National Honor Society, and updated the board on the final testing preparations.

A motion was passed to enter into executive session, after which the meeting was adjourned.

The next BOE meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, at 7 p.m.