Destination Imagination & New Hires at Board of Education Meeting

Before the Beachwood Board of Education approved more than two dozen resolutions Monday, the group recognized the achievements of students in the Destination Imagination program.

Less than a month ago, three of Beachwood's creative problem-solving teams participated in the global finals at the University of Tennessee. Before that, six teams reached the state finals, and all 12 went to regionals.

The board congratulated them in front of a packed room of family, friends and teachers. In return, members from Destination Imigination teams thanked the board for authorizing the district to financially support their endeavors.

"I've been a part of this for a lot of years, since my kids were involved in it a long time ago and it was nothing near the level of what you all have accomplished today," Board President Brian Weiss said to the students. "We are very proud of you, it's our pleasure to support you. We hope to continue to support and send more teams to globals each year with more and more success."

The board approved the hires of high school math teacher Jessica Kellogg and speech language pathologist Rosemarie Griffin. They are scheduled to earn $56,403 and $42,958, respectively. The board also approved 19 contracts for summer school and extended-hours instructors, with most at a rate of $31.84 per hour.

The board placed about 30 new and revised policies on second reading. While the policy topics range from employee discrimination to duties of the treasure, they mostly replace antiquated language without changing definitions.

The board's business resolutions included change orders for flooring and cabinets associated with the renovation. The group also approved an agreement with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to provide nursing services for for the next year for $2,150 from auxiliary funds.

Between those measures and a presentation on new textbooks, Superintendent Rich Markwardt said preparations for next school year are well under way. The district also continues its search for a new band director and a new principal for Hilltop Elementary School.

"It's surprising to think that so close on the heels of commencement, graduation and all the festivities that surround that, we're involved as heavily as we are in planning for next year," Markwardt said. "As the two hires here tonight indicate, we're very much in that process."