Dear Community Members,

             As I sit to write this letter, it seems impossible to believe that we are in the second nine weeks of school and the holidays are just around the corner.

 School Districts throughout the state of Ohio have been facing many financial challenges and uncertainties.  The new Evidenced Based Funding Model that became a part of House Bill 1 that was passed on July 1, 2009 has created more questions than answers.

 Over the last two years, the district has worked hard to maintain a balanced budget.  Cuts have been made in all areas.  Unfortunately, there are still fiscal challenges ahead. 

 In August, the district was placed in fiscal caution and a Performance Audit was done by the Office of the Auditor of State for the Beaver Local School District.  The Performance Audit was released on November 10, 2009.  The audit can be viewed by going to www.auditor.state.oh.us.  In addition, a link has been provided on the Beaver Local web-site www.beaver.k12.oh.us.

 All of the information is based on the known facts at the time of the audit.  I say this because with the new State Evidenced Based Model for funding, things may change due to additional state mandates that the Model will require.  Comparisons are made with regions of districts that are similar to Beaver Local.   Additional comparisons are made with districts that are similar and in closer proximity.  In the case of Beaver Local the districts are West Branch, Salem, and East Liverpool. 

 When reading the audit it is very important to keep in mind that these are merely recommendations made by the Office of the Auditor of State.  Many of the items recommended are items that involve the contracts with both the Beaver Local Education Association and OAPSE Local 564.  It is the hope of the district to work cooperatively with both BLEA and OAPSE in reviewing the Performance Audit.

 During this wonderful season, I want to wish you a healthy, happy holiday season and hope the New Year brings you much of the same.

Kindest regards,
Dr. Sandra J. DiBacco
Dr. Sandra J. DiBacco

IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM The Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEIA) mandates that every school district in the country develop a system to identify children with disabilities, birth, through age 21, who live in the district.  The Rules for the Education of Handicapped Children adopted by the State Board of Education direct that in addition to a three-year intensive search, school districts must conduct an annual in-school effort to identify and provide services to children with disabilities.        Since 1984, and every third year thereafter, the Beaver Local School District has conducted and will continue to conduct an intensive awareness campaign throughout the community.  Any child you suspect that may have a disability should be referred to the building principal of the child or the Assistant Superintendent.

Inclement Weather and School Closings             The winter weather is upon us and often causes problems resulting in delays and cancellations.              If inclement weather results in a delay or cancellation, the goal is to have a decision regarding any change by 6:00 AM.  However, this is not always possible.              Any changes will be broadcast on TV9, TV21, TV 27, TV 33, Clear Channel Radio, and Froggy Radio.             Thank you for your patience and cooperation.