As the Hancock County Board of Education nears the end of the school year, it recognized those professionals and para-professionals who are the lifeblood of education. Erinn Basil of Weirton Elementary was named Teacher of the Year. Superintendent Dan Enich praised Basil for her innovation and dedication to her students as she seeks way to make learning intriguing. Basil’s class took a cyber trip to Ireland this school year in which the students were responsible for every facet of the trip.
Other faculty members nominated for the honor included Nicole Campbell, New Manchester Elementary; Natalie Hall, Allison Elementary; Katie Kafton, Oak Glen Middle; Wendy Zinn, Oak Glen High; Stacey Riggs, Weir Middle; Emily Hores, Weir High; Elizabeth Walsh, JDRIV Career Center.
Lora Baumgarner of Oak Glen High, was selected as School Service Personnel of the year. She is an aide and said she “absolutely adores my job.” Other Service Personnel nominated for the honor included: Linda Nicoles, New Manchester Elementary; Melissa McIntosh, Allison Elementary; Alicia Wells, Oak Glen MiSdle; Paul Guzzo, Weirton Elementary; Carla Long, Wejr Middle; Carolyn Puskarich; JDR IV, Denise Hayes; Transportation, Bill Wiseman; and Central Kitchen, Lori Ballato.
In a 3 to 2 vote, the Board transferred Director of Personnel Sarah Parsons, to Director of Supplemental Services/Transportation. Parsons had been the center of controversy when she was chosen for the position and the selection process was challenged by Oak Glen Middle Principal Alyssa Mick who had been an applicant for the position.
Chris Enochs, Director of Suppl. Services/Transportation was transferred Assistant Principal, Weir Middle; while Amber Tonacchio, Assistant Principal, Weir Middle, was transferred to Math Teacher, Weir Middle. In other transfers Karissa Pszyywak was transferred from Assistant Principal, JDR IV to Assistant Principal, Alternative Learning Center/AE; Christopher Pugh, PE Teacher, Allison Elementary to PE Teacher Allison/New Manchester Elementary; Bethany Fernbaugh, Chorus teacher, Oak Glen Middle to Chorus Teacher, Oak Glen Middle, Weir Middle.
