RACINE — Approval of the revised permanent appropriations in the amount of $9.2 million, hiring of personnel, and unveiling of the new website highlighted a meeting of the Southern Local Board of Education last week.

The Board gave unanimous approval to the revised permanent appropriations noting that the increases came as a result of additional grant funding and the addition of the Class of 2012.

Personnel matters handled at the meeting included the hiring of Beth Bay and Jeff Beaver as attendants for the fitness center which is located at Southern High School in the old, remodeled industrial arts room.

Bay and Beaver were given one-year-supplemental contracts at $500 for the 2009 winter quarter to be paid from the Osteopathic Heritage Wellness Grant. The fitness center is open during certain hours for public use.

Also approved was the transfer of Pam Cunningham to the evening custodial position at Southern Elementary School in accordance with the Ohio Association of Public School Employees negotiated agreement. The following list of county-approved substitute teachers for the 2008-09 school year were also approved; Veronica Ault, Jason Carney, Cory Hanes, Lorrie Grimm, Nicole Emmelhainz.

Superintendent Tony Deem and Treasurer Roy Johnson presented the district’s newly revised website which can be found at www.southernlocalmegis.org Parents and students can access the site to find everything from the times and dates of athletic events, to academic resources, to if school has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

The Board approved paying $475 into the Racine Southern Scholarship Association with funds raised by the Reconnecting Youth talent program and spaghetti dinner. The funds are to be distributed as a scholarship to graduating RY students to further their education. The board also accepted a donation of $1,000 from Wal-Mart to be deposited in the junior high principal’s account to pay for the incentive program at the elementary and junior high school. Also accepted was a $5,000 donation from the Columbus Foundation (DiMarco Family) to be used for the Tornado Pride Incentive Program.

Deem reminded the Board that there is a meeting of the state Financial Planning and Supervision Commission on Monday, Feb. 9. The next regular Board meeting will be held at 8 p.m., Feb. 23 in the high school media room.

Board members attending the meeting were Don Smith, Peggy Gibbs, Dennie Hill, Richard Hill, Gary Evans.