Austintown board honors outgoing member Kathy Mok; community praised for emergency response

The Austintown Local Schools Board of Education read and adopted a proclamation honoring Kathy Mok for 16 years of service to the district at its December meeting.

Board members praised Mok’s leadership, fiscal stewardship and long-term commitment to students and staff. The proclamation cited her role in guiding policies supporting academic and extracurricular programs and said the board extended sincere appreciation for her years of service. Fred Markham was selected as president pro tem for the January organizational meeting.

Members also used the meeting to recognize long-serving staff. Superintendent Kelty singled out Tina Kabaki for 30 years of teaching at Fitch High School and called her a "hall of fame member" for her decades of service. Board members spoke about the staff’s role in a community emergency response after a Nov. 22 apartment explosion on Meridian Road, praising the district for quickly organizing space and services for displaced residents and emergency personnel. One board member described evacuating primarily handicapped residents and said the district had set up assistance and shelter with little notice, helping coordinate interactions with multiple fire departments and emergency responders.

In brief remarks, Mok thanked the Austintown community and colleagues, reflected on the district’s achievements and wished everyone a happy holiday season. "After 16 years and this being my final board of education meeting, I want to say thank you," Mok said, adding thanks to staff, family and supporters and closing with "go Falcons." The meeting adjourned following routine motions to close the session.