Manchester board approves middle school principal contract
NEW FRANKLIN — The Manchester Board of Education approved a one-year contract for Manchester Middle School Principal James Miller during the July 15 meeting.
The board had previously approved the retirement of Miller during a June 30 special meeting as he is going through the rehiring process.
Also during the meeting, board member Joe Hercules reported new roofs have been installed on Nolley Elementary School along with the old Nolley Elementary School building, which will soon become the administration offices. The roof at the middle school is currently in the process of being replaced.
In other business, the board approved:
• Nickles Bakery to remain the district’s bread supplier, Hershey’s Ice Cream to remain the ice cream supplier, Alco Chemicals to remain the cleaning chemical supplier, Pizza Hut to remain the ready-to-eat pizza supplier, Borden Dairy to remain the milk supplier and for Sirna & Sons Produce to be the fresh produce supplier for the 2025-26 school year;
• the Nutrition Standard Compliance for the district; and
• an agreement with the Summit Educational Service Center for grant funds for the Education Revolution Association/Life Skills pilot program.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the board entered executive session for personnel matters, with no action taken.
The board will next meet Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. in the Manchester Innovative Learning Lab at Manchester High School, 407 W. Nimisila Road.
– Eric Poston
Hoban launches program for students with moderate disabilities
AKRON — Archbishop Hoban High School announced a new academic program designed to support students with moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities. Holy Cross Pathways — named in recognition of the school’s connection to and sponsorship by the Brothers of Holy Cross — will launch in fall 2025, and applications are open for incoming ninth-grade students.
Holy Cross Pathways provides a structured, supportive learning environment led by two full-time teachers, an intervention specialist and a student instructional aide. The school’s Office of Student Services oversees the program, which is managed by Associate Principal of Student Services Jennifer Mattes.
“As a Catholic school rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, Hoban was founded with the mission to educate the hearts and minds of students of all backgrounds and abilities,” said Mattes. “We are proud to serve a diverse student body, and this program further illustrates our Holy Cross values of inclusiveness, hope and family.”
Holy Cross Pathways extends specialized learning opportunities to students who require modified curriculum and instruction. While core academic content is tailored to meet individual needs, students participate in elective courses alongside their peers to foster inclusivity and community.
Upon completion of the four-year program, students earn a high school diploma and are equipped for the next stage of life.
For more information, including program requirements and applicant criteria, visit hoban.org/pathways. To apply for Holy Cross Pathways, contact the school at pathways@hoban.org.