We would like to express our gratitude — The Toronto Board of Education recognizes Priority Life, a family-owned business with ties to the City of Toronto, for its contribution to the Red Knights athletic team through nomination to the Ohio School Boards Association Business Honor Roll. – Awarded to CARE. Present to personally express their gratitude were, from left, Andy Reeves, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Debbie Petras, Vice President of Priority Life Care’s Seoul Division. and her husband, Bob Petras Sr. and Superintendent Maureen Taggart. Priority Life Care is also led by the Petra family’s son and daughter, Bob Jr. and Sebby Petras Wells. — Warren Scott
TORONTO — The Toronto Board of Education on Thursday approved the transfer of Michael Simpson Park from the city to the district, its participation in a program that allows students to receive driver’s education, and the transfer of a company with ties to the Gem City. He was recognized for his outstanding achievements. support.
Earlier this week, Toronto City Council agreed to transfer a 2.21-acre park near the district’s campus to the district after learning of plans by school officials to install artificial turf on the softball fields and make other improvements.
On Thursday, Superintendent Maureen Taggart said the plan is to use money from the district’s School Improvement Fund for the artificial turf.
He said other improvements are being considered, such as adding video cameras to improve security at the site, but many are still in the planning stages.
Taggart said that while the turf itself will likely require some advance planning, including engineering, it is not entirely impossible to install the turf before the school’s spring softball season.
The stadium is also used for the city’s affiliated fall softball league.
Taggart said when the park was transferred to the city for $1 in 2015, it was understood that the land would later return to the school district.
Since then, Taggart noted, the city has used the grant money to make a number of improvements, including adding an indoor batting facility and installing new dugouts, concession stands and a press box.
“We are very appreciative of everything the city has done to improve the park.” she said.
The school board also took the time to thank the owners of Priority Life Care for their strong support of the high school athletic program over the past several years.
The school board nominated the company to the Ohio School Boards Association’s Business Honor Roll. “It has been a beacon of support to Toronto City Schools, particularly in strengthening the district’s athletic programs.”
Priority Life Care, based in Wintersville and Fort Wayne, Indiana, provides independent and assisted living for seniors in several states.
Representing Priority Life Care at the meeting was Debbie Petras, the company’s vice president of Seoul. and her husband Bob. Accepting this honor on behalf of the children was CEO Sebby Petras Wells. and its chief operating officer, Bob Jr.
Mr Taggart said: “For the past six seasons, Priority Life Care has demonstrated unparalleled generosity and provided significant financial support to the Toronto High School football program. The company has also expanded its support by providing Nike shoes and backpacks to every soccer player, representing an estimated $5,000 annual investment. To do.”
she added, “Last spring, Priority Life Care pledged a generous $10,000 up front and an additional $5,000 over the next two years to name the locker room. Alternative helmets are now available and each player can now have two helmets for added safety.”
Taggart and board chairman Andy Reeves said corporate donations also covered costs and meals for students participating in sports camps, as well as travel bags, warm-up clothing and other equipment for the women’s basketball team.
Debbie Petras said she wanted to do more to support girls’ athletic teams and offered to pay for school lunches she couldn’t afford.
The Toronto High School graduate said: “Whenever I do something for my school, I think back to when I was in high school and how I would have benefited from it.”
“If you have the right mentor, a lot of great things can happen. It’s a privilege and an honor for us.” she said.
Reeves told them: “I know that the children at our school really appreciate your efforts.”
The board also entered into an agreement allowing the Jefferson County Educational Service Center to provide driving instruction to high school students.
Taggart said the center has secured grant funding to provide instruction to students in every school district in the county, and a one-year contract with the center will provide Toronto Public Schools with a vehicle and trained instructors. He is expected to pay $12,975 to secure the property.
There will be costs for parents, she said, but that hasn’t been determined.
Taggart did not know how many days of in-vehicle instruction students will receive through the course, but it also includes an online component that students can complete on their own time.
Students are registering for fall courses, but Taggart said students who have study hall or other availability this fall may be able to register.
The Board also:
• Approved the replacement of outdoor lighting on the school campus with LED lighting fixtures for $43,656.
These lights are expensive but are said to have a long lifespan.
• Approved the purchase and installation of a video surveillance security system for the north end athletic facility for $94,659.
• Approved the purchase of English curriculum, including textbooks, teacher manuals and computer software, for grades 6-12 and kindergarten-5 for $64,020 and $41,806, respectively.
• Congratulations to the varsity baseball team for winning the OVAC title and the middle school boys track and field team for winning the Buckeye Mountaineer Athletic Conference Championship.
Congratulations were also given to the following high school track and field athletes for their success at state track and field competitions: Steve Ohalek placed second in the discus event. The 4×800 meter relay team of Mark Jenkins, Brady Fair, Robert Koehnlein and Grimes took second place.
The next board meeting will be held on June 20th at 5pm.
