GALLIPOLIS — A brief update on the new high school construction project was presented to the Gallipolis City Board of Education at its regular meeting Wednesday.

The board learned that progress has been amazing due to good weather lately, and that the building is taking on a whole new look now that some rooms are being painted.

The public is invited to the groundbreaking for the new Rio Grande Elementary set for 1:30 p.m. today, so that all of the students can attend.

The board also recognized Kevin E. Kelly, managing editor of the Gallipolis Daily Tribune, on being named to the 2008 Ohio School Boards Association Media Honor Roll, during its regular meeting Wednesday.

District communications director Jim Craft commended Kelly and the Tribune staff for providing the community with fair, balanced and accurate reporting.

“You try to put the children first as you report and let the community know what’s going on in our district,” said Craft.

“My thanks to all of you,” said Kelly. “I appreciate it.”

In other business, the board:

Passed the resolution recognizing Oct. 20-24, 2008, as National School Bus Safety Week.

Passed the resolution recognizing Nov. 16-22, 2008, as American Education Week in appreciation of teaching staff, and recognized Nov. 19 as National Educational Support Personnel Day in appreciation of classified staff.

Set a mandatory grade report date in conjunction with the Ohio High School Athletic Association. This allows students who have been removed from activities due to academic ineligibility to be re-instated to the team before the actual report card is issued if they have made adequate improvements to their grades. It would also affect students who become ineligible due to falling grades between grading periods.

Authorized placement of advertisements for the building trade packages for the new Rio Grande and Green elementary schools.

Approved Greg Atkins as ninth grade head basketball coach for the 2008-09 school year.

Approved Katie Evans, Bray Shamblin and Rhonda St. Onge as substitute teachers for the 2008-09 school year.

Approved Jason Thomas as a volunteer assistant boys basketball coach for the 2008-09 school year.

Accepted the donations for Model United Nations for $500 from Buckeye Rural Cooperative and $200 from American Electric Power/Gavin Plant.

Accepted the $1,000 donation from American Electric Power for the staff recognition dinner.

Contracted with ING Financial Advisors to help the district comply with the new IRS 403(b) regulations, at no cost to the district or employees.

Approved Vision & Vocational Services to provide orientation and mobility training for visually impaired students as stated in their Individual Education Plans for the 2008-09 school year at a cost of $90 per hour. Funding will be through IDEA 09.

In an addendum, the board agreed payment in lieu of transportation for 39 students from Ohio Valley Christian School at the rate of $174 per year, payable at the end of the 2008-2009 school year, in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Ohio Department of Education.

The board then entered executive session to discuss negotiations and the purchase of property for public use.

Kristin Hughes addressed the board during executive session. No actions were taken and the meeting was adjourned.