Austintown Local Schools celebrates Chris Bernaik's retirement and AES award

The Austintown Board of Education meeting held on April 14, 2025, highlighted significant achievements and transitions within the district. The meeting began with a warm welcome to new employees, emphasizing the community's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for staff and students alike.

A key focus of the meeting was the retirement of Christopher Burney, a long-serving administrator who dedicated 26 years to the Austintown Local School District. Board members expressed their gratitude for Burney's contributions and wished him well in his retirement, acknowledging his deep roots in the community and his impact on local education.

In addition to honoring Burney, the board celebrated the recent recognition of Austintown Elementary School (AES) with the Science of Reading Champion Award from Governor Mike DeWine. This accolade underscores the school's commitment to literacy and effective teaching practices.

The meeting also introduced an exciting initiative aimed at promoting literacy and outdoor activity. A story trail will soon be installed in partnership with the Austintown Township Park and the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley. This interactive trail will allow families to read books while enjoying nature, with stories changing every four to six weeks. The trail will also be featured at Austintown Elementary later in the summer, providing an engaging outdoor learning experience for students.

Overall, the meeting reflected a strong sense of community pride and a commitment to educational excellence, with board members expressing their enthusiasm for the district's ongoing achievements and future initiatives.