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Austintown schools report PBIS awards, Canvas rollout and state testing plans; teacher and students recognized
Summary
Principal Robin Vickers told the Austintown Local Schools board the district hosted the state speech and debate tournament, is rolling out the Canvas learning-management system, several buildings earned PBIS awards and state testing begins April 1; first-grade teacher Carly Kramer was named Mahoning County Educator of the Year.
Principal Robin Vickers summarized academic and extracurricular highlights for Austintown Local Schools at the March 18, 2025 board meeting, including PBIS awards at multiple buildings, a Canvas learning-management rollout, and the start of state testing on April 1.
Vickers said Fitch High School hosted the state speech and debate tournament in February and that all juniors at Fitch took the ACT on March 11. She told the board that Fitch teachers are continuing training on the Canvas learning-management system to better prepare students for college-level platforms. "This will expose the students to a learning management system that is actively used on different college campuses throughout the state," Vickers said.
Vickers reported building-level updates: the district elementary that Vickers described as "my building" was awarded a gold PBIS medal; Austintown Middle School (AMS) received a bronze PBIS award and held a grade-level honor assembly and a PBIS incentive trip to a Phantoms hockey game; Austintown Elementary School (AES) received a silver PBIS award and plans multiple May field trips in recognition. Vickers also said seventh graders received a presentation from the YSU (Youngstown State University) dental program about vaping prevention and that grade‑5 students will attend an off-site camp in May. "We're going to start with language arts," Vickers said when describing the district's testing schedule that begins April 1.
Vickers announced that Carly Kramer, a first‑grade teacher at AES, "has been named the Mahoning County Educator of the Year representing Austintown Local Schools." The board later also recognized Treasurer Karlovic for receiving the state's Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting with Distinction.
The board heard classroom and student-club updates from members and staff: a baking club at Fitch launched in February and grew from 20 to 32 students; Alexis Weber, the district's food service director, demonstrated decorating techniques at an early meeting; and the district will host performances of Phantom of the Opera March 26–30 (evenings at 6 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.).
On the speech and debate program, a student, Mia Ruchi, described the tournament as "competitive. It's a lot of fun. And the best thing, it gives her lifelong skills." Vickers and board members praised coaches and volunteers, including speech and debate coach Terry Dutton and assistant coach Julie Cialino; Hallie Marcella, a volunteer coach, also received thanks from district speakers.
The reports combined celebrations of extracurricular success, staff recognition and operational updates ahead of the district's spring testing window and scheduled events.
