GALLIPOLIS — A donation for an American flag to be displayed in the gymnasium at the new Gallia Academy High School from the GAHS Class of 1949 was accepted by the Gallipolis City Board of Education when it met Wednesday.

“We just want to say thank you for a job well done on our new school,” said class representative Allen Romaine, who was accompanied by his wife Anne, Barbara Epling, Jeannie Fisher, Mary Lou Harrison, Leah Wion and Russell Wood at the presentation.

The board accepted the donation and an additional gift from the class for landscaping needs at the site. Last month, GAHS’ Class of 1957 donated funds for a new flagpole at the site, and members of the Class of 1953 donated a new podium to the school.

The board also accepted the resignation of Michael Huebner as teacher and director of high school bands, which was effective July 6, and employed Jack “Andy” Sigman as his replacement.

Superintendent Jack Payton said Sigman, band director at Waterford High School near Marietta for the past 10 years, had been sought by the district for some time and came into contact with Gallipolis when he started looking for other jobs.

Although band memberships over the past decade have ranged from 12 to 28, his Waterford musicians have won numerous Superior ratings in Ohio Music Education Association competitions.

Former GAHS band director Rodney Tolliver helped conduct the interview with Sigman, Payton said. Sigman was also employed on a supplemental contract as director of high school bands.

The board also approved the employment of Troy Johnson as transportation/safety supervisor on a two-year contract, which was effective July 16. Johnson replaces Kenny Deckard, who retired at the end of the 2008-09 school year.

Other resignations accepted by the board were from Clyde Dunlap, effective July 31, Charles “Tom” Walters, effective Aug. 31, and Reba Wilcoxon, also Aug. 31, all due to retirement.

In other matters, the board:

• Employed Lisa Corbin as bus driver for the 2009-10 school year.

• Approved the transfer of Greg Shipley to maintenance, which was effective April 13, 2009.

• Approved supplemental contracts for Alex Penrod, ninth grade head football coach, and Joshua Perry, seventh grade assistant football coach.

• Approved all teachers and substitute teachers as tutors, after-school program instructors and summer school instructors for 2009-10, to be paid at the hourly tutorial rate.

• Approved the lists of certified and classified substitute personnel.

• Authorized the superintendent to employ personnel as necessary between now and the September regular board meeting.

• Approved the maternity leave request of Anna Peterson from Oct. 23 to Dec. 7, 2009.

• Authorized application and participation in state and federal programs for the upcoming school year.

• Adopted Model Special Education Policies and Procedures.

• Approved revised policies on emergency/safety plans, professional staff supplemental contracts, entrance age, early entrance to kindergarten, and student fees, fines and charges.

• Changed the previously approved waiver day of Jan. 10, 2010, to Jan. 15, 2010, to avoid “pre-count week.”

• Approved membership renewal in the Ohio Coalition of Equity and Adequacy for 2009-10.

• Approved a contract with Cheryl Godwin to provide V/A TOD prevention and drug education services in 2009-10, to be paid from grants.

• Approved stipends (at the tutorial rate, not to exceed $450) for teachers participating in two days of local professional development activities in August.

• Approved a change order.