Athletic department favors all-sports fundraisers
Centerville-Abington Community Schools is starting two new community events as it moves away from individual team fundraisers in favor of athletic department campaigns supporting all sports.
Athletic Director Shane Osting said businesses will be contacted fewer times with donation requests. Team needs would be served in a rotation.
Osting noted the department raised nearly $37,000 last year. In lieu of last year’s hot-weather carnival that wasn’t very successful, Osting received approval for two new ideas from coaches and boosters.
A car show will be on Saturday of Homecoming weekend and a craft show on Sunday after Thanksgiving. The basketball game the day before the craft show might move to Earlham College to facilitate vendor setup.
However, a few team fundraisers also were approved. For instance, junior high cheerleaders will seek donors for each gear item instead of selling items.
CACS provides financial aid for students’ athletic equipment when needed.
Osting also noted a gym banner is being designed for the state runner-up baseball team, and distributed medals from that notable game to board members.
In other business
The board approved a standard common school loan application to borrow $172,300 for technology, including robotics equipment.
The board approved plans for the summer CARES child care program including the schedule, staff positions and adjusted pay rate. Because the junior high’s cooling tower is being replaced during summer, CARES is moving to Centerville-Abington Elementary.
Sixth grader Hunter Biava donated $300 for CAE’s running club.
Superintendent Mike McCoy said some schools are considering modifying their April 8, 2024, schedules for the midafternoon solar eclipse that is expected to draw enthusiasts to Wayne County. CACS would not be in school unless it’s needed for a snow makeup day.
Assistant Superintendent Sean Stevenson said they’re “tickled yellow” to finally receive two new buses. They will be on the road after staff preparations and state police inspection.
Building crews will work on several projects during spring break, such as replacing broken tiling in the junior high entrance and the pool/locker room areas. The board gave McCoy permission to choose the look of the new elementary addition’s sign.
Progress is being made on the transportation center. The foundation has been poured and the metal building arrived for installation. However, the transformer hasn’t arrived after being in transit for a month.
On average, 1,400 breakfasts are served per week, but during National Breakfast Week, 2,530 were eaten.
If more state funds become available, the district might add a second school resource officer.
Member Brad Lambright noted 2024’s national school board conference is in Indianapolis, a more feasible location for area boards.
Coaches presented a letter jacket to Shea Hollendonner. He earned All-TEC Conference Team honors in boys basketball.
Personnel approvals: New hire Kristopher Heiderich as junior high assistant track coach; transfer of Denise Scalzo from the high school cafeteria to a cafeteria sub; rehire of Angela Lynch as a substitute teacher; and volunteer Chris Brummett for junior high golf.
A version of this article appeared in the March 29 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.