TuscBDD Recognizes Retirement of Long-time Starlight School Classroom Assistant

Fri, Jun 8th, 2018

PRESS RELEASE

New Philadelphia, June 8, 2018: At the May 2018 regularly scheduled board meeting for the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (TuscBDD), Board members and staff expressed their gratitude to Deb McConnell who has served as a TuscBDD Starlight School Classroom Assistant since 1988. As of May 31st, 2018 McConnell will be fully retired from TuscBDD. Over the years, McConnell has been passionate about serving youth with developmental disabilities and has made lasting impressions on the staff she served with as well as the students she taught.

"Deb loves the students and has taught me everything I know about teaching," shared Alisha Ketchem, TuscBDD Starlight School teacher. "Deb is a natural at working with these kiddos at the school. She has been here for my entire career, and I know the students and staff will miss her very much."

A few days after the Board meeting, TuscBDD staff formally recognized McConnell during the Starlight School graduation ceremony where they presented attendees with a video that highlighted McConnell’s 30 years. McConnell was also honored by her staff with flowers and gifts.

Also at the May Board Meeting, Board members approved $12,900 for TuscBDD’s portion of the Dual Diagnosis Community Intervention (DDCI) position in collaboration with the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADAMHS Board) and the Carroll County Board of Developmental Disabilities for fiscal year 2019. “This is the third year of this grant. We are seeing that the caseloads are increasing, and that this grant is helping kids where they are whether it is at school or home” expressed TuscBDD Superintendent, Nate Kamban. “The portion of money that we put toward this effort is to help support the interventionist that works with these children with complex and multiple diagnoses.”

Additionally, the Board approved the revisions to the following Board Policies.

·2.11 Bloodborne Pathogens Standard Exposure Control

·7.1 Family support Services

The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 18 at 5:30 PM. This meeting will take place at TuscBDD's Service and Support Center located at 610 Commercial Ave. SW in New Philadelphia. More information about TuscBDD's programs and services can be found online at www.tuscbdd.org.