RUSSIA — The Russia Board of Education met to reorganize for 2017 on Jan. 11.

The board elected Doug Hoying as board president for the year. They elected Chelsea Hoying vice president.

They voted to make the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. the regular meeting dates for the board for 2017.

A motion passed to establish a board service fund of $1,000 for 2017.

Compensation for the Russia Board of Education members was set at $40 per meeting for calendar year 2016 with compensation not to exceed 12 meetings per year.

Board members were appointed to various committees, and other designations and authorizations were made.

The board voted to establish the mileage reimbursement rate at 43 cents per mile effective Jan. 1, 2017. The rate for regular special education drivers driving their personal vehicles will be 45 cents per mile.

During the regular portion of the meeting the board accepted several donations. They accepted:

• $12,500 from the Francis Family Foundation for scholarship purposes.

• $1,000 from the Versailles Savings & Loan for scholarship purposes.

• $1,000 from the Russia Wellness Foundation for scholarship purposes.

• An anonymous donation of $1,000 which was used to purchase Google Chromebooks.

• $8,000 from Cargill, Inc. to purchase technology equipment.

• $250 from Honda Hero Program on behalf of Rob Cordonnier for the Russia Wellness Foundation.

• $687.50 from Honda of America for the Lego Robotics Program.

• Various donations totaling $410 for the Russia School Flower Fund.

The board heard the financial report and passed a motion to approve the bills as submitted, including then and now certifications. They reviewed the financial summary report, updated spending plan, and three year spending plan comparison.

Superintendent Steve Rose also updated the board on the continuing issues with condensation in the CCN Gymnasium. Cotterman Roofing has identified the problem as an insulation issue. They will be working with district personnel to identify options and quotes for fixing this ongoing problem.

A motion passed to employ Steven Terill and Kellie Shepherd as substitute teachers at a rate of $85 per day for the 2016-17 school year on an as needed basis.

The board voted to approve the vacation policy as discussed and revision to the 2016-17 Student Handbook as per the exhibit and discussion.

Rose led a discussion of the Valedictorian Policy which may be adjusted and implemented with the incoming freshmen class (graduating class of 2021).