Boosters want to name auditorium for long-time band and choir director

ROCKFORD - Parkway Music Boosters have asked Parkway Local Schools board of education to name the new school's auditorium the Richard A. Sherrick auditorium in honor of the long-time band and choir director who is retiring this year.

Booster Co-President Loren Shindeldecker addressed the board Tuesday night, detailing the accomplishments and success that Sherrick has had with the students and the recognition he has brought to the school's music department.

"It's a way to honor and commemorate the diligent work and dedicated efforts of Richard Sherrick, as a tribute to his tenure and as an honor to his retirement. That's why we're here tonight," Shindeldecker said, referring to the dozen-plus members in attendance.

The board was receptive of naming the auditorium, and Superintendent Doug Karst agreed to check into the criteria for naming a facility.

"There is no overt opposition to doing this, we just want to do it right," he said.

High school Principal Greg Puthoff reported he has received at least a dozen applications for Sherrick's position for next school year.

The board also will be hiring an athletic director to fill the position left vacant by last month's resignation of Lucus Minnich.

The board learned the majority of people attending a community meeting on Monday night that dealt with the location of the school's football field were in favor of relocating the field to the all-weather track. The relocation was approved by the board.

It is expected to cost between $600,000 to $800,000 for the new field, bleachers, lighting, a concession facility, fencing and other miscellaneous items.

In his report to the board, Karst said the school will be open to accommodate the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) riders in June. Local organizations plan to operate food stands for the expected 3,000 riders, he said.

Karst also announced the Franklin B. Walter banquet will be April 25 and spoke briefly about the push for a constitutional amendment dealing with school funding called Getting It Right For Ohio's Future.

"Basically, it would reduce local property tax and put the burden of school funding back onto the state," Karst said, adding petition signatures are being sought to get the amendment on the November ballot.

Puthoff also announced career day will be held at the school on Friday with nearly 150 people expected to speak to the students.

In other action, the board:

• Established the Sunday before the Memorial Day weekend as the date for graduation each year. The change will become effective in the 2008-2009 school year.

• Approved paying middle school Principal Steve Baumgartner a stipend equal to 3.5 percent of a teacher base salary for the duties of Washington, D.C., trip coordinator. Board members also approved paying Baumgartner's retirement contributions in lieu of the 2.5 percent salary increase granted to other administrators.

• Approved paying Mickey McConahay and Greg Puthoff each a stipend of $750 for being trained as the district value added specialists.

• Authorized payment of the $7,500 retirement incentive to retiring high school guidance counselor Kent Krogman.

• Approved overnight field trips for the FFA members to attend the State FFA Convention in Columbus and for the cheerleaders to attend cheer camp at Wright State University in Dayton.