Local News
Buckeye BOE to petition parole of convicted murderer
KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP — The Buckeye Board of Education will send a letter to the state parole board, urging its members to refuse parole for David Aldridge, 49, who is serving a life sentence at Marion Correctional Institution.
Aldridge was found guilty of the kidnapping, aggravated robbery and murder of Pamela Kay Phillips in 1979. His parole hearing is next month, and family members are asking residents to write to the parole board prior to that hearing.
School board member Jacqueline Hillyer said Tim Ecklund, a family member, requested the board take a stance against Aldridge’s parole, which could result in his return to the community.
The board discussed the propriety of taking such a stance and decided it would be in line with precedents. Member Mary Wisnyai said the board opposed the Kingsville Video adult bookstore when it located near Kingsville Elementary. It also has gone on record as opposing bars that opened near district school buildings.
Wisnyai, who called Aldridge’s actions “a gruesome crime,” said opposing the parole would be a matter of ensuring safety for district residents. Superintendent Nancy Williams said the letter would written on behalf of the children served by the district.
The vote was unanimous.
The board also took up a slate of personnel changes at its Tuesday meeting, which was held at Kingsville Elementary School. The board recognized the retirements of Kathe Cheney, fifth-grade teacher at Ridgeview; Janet Plants, first-grade teacher at Ridgeview; and Darlene McGill, reading-language arts teacher at Braden Junior High. Retirements are effective July 1. McGill has worked for the district 37 years, Plants for 35 years and Cheney for 25 years.
Board members expressed their appreciation for the teachers’ long service and applauded the quality of instruction they provided.
“These teachers have done wonderful, wonderful jobs,” Wisnyai said.
In other actions, the board:
n Granted family medical leave to Abigail Kauppila, Rita Nicka and Sue Read;
n Recognized the resignations of Sally Crawford, foreign language teacher at Braden, effective Aug. 21; Sharon Nelson, home instruction tutor, effective March 23; and Tara Mozzocco, assistant girls soccer coach, for the 2009-10 school year;
n Did not renew the contract of Ryan Sardella, long-term substitute;
n Did not renew the following tutor contracts, effective at the end of this school year: Margaret Andes, Elaine Applebee, Paul Blum, Renee Campagna, Aimee Canter, Deborah Collins, Tina Furmage, Al Goodwin, Lois Graff, Gabriel Juist, Abigail Kauppila, Martha Laurila, Susan Luhta, Shelley Monas, Wendy Montello, Maria Oblak, Michelle Sassler, Kelli Scafuro, Pamela Thomas, Holly White, Bethany Williams and Patricia Zetlaw;
n Appointed Julie Simmons as a tutor for the 2008-09 school year and Juli Meaney as head girls soccer coach and Gabriel Juist as weight room co-supervisor for next school year;
n Appointed Shelly Pyle, Adrienne Bowen, Larry Owen and Robert Platz to operational staff positions; and
n Re-employed the following certified employees under one-year limited contracts for 2009-10: Nicole DuFour, David Fargo, Leanne Hartzell, Kelly Louden, Maria Oblak, Lisa Palinkas, Gary Pape, Sarah Partyka and Molly Todaro.
Receiving two-year limited contracts were Jessica Evrard, Robin Hudson, Jeremiah Johnson, Angela Korabek, Dennis Kortyka, Shelley Monas, Michelle Sassler, John Shamp and Connie Sommers.
Three-year limited contracts were awarded to Bonnie Benson, Kathy Essig, Steven Farr and David Fowler.
Continuing contracts were awarded to certified employees Laura Buckius and Cheryl x.
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