Amanda Albert

The board approved various financial and administrative matters, including the Treasurer's reports, a resolution regarding the investment of interim moneys in commercial paper, and the adoption of a mandatory cybersecurity program. Key actions included the approval of a true-up contract with the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Teachers' Association, and a site host residential agreement with the local solid waste management district. Additionally, the board revised Policy 8500 concerning food services, updated the substitute teacher list, addressed superintendent employment recommendations including staffing adjustments and coaching appointments, and conducted an executive session regarding public employee discipline and compensation.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the Treasurer's reports for January 2026, authorization for blanket purchase orders up to $550,000, and certification of necessary tax levies to the county auditor. The Board also approved the Financial Forecast for FY26-30, the updated substitute teacher list, and a resolution authorizing 2026-2027 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Furthermore, additional coaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year were approved, a donation from the Northmor Music Boosters was accepted, and various staffing agreements and employment recommendations were approved, including resignations and appointments for coaching roles. The Board also approved expenditure requests for OHSAA Sectional Boys' Basketball game staff and conducted an executive session regarding public employee employment, dismissal, discipline, or compensation.

The meeting included reports from the Junior High/High School Principal and the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Key actions involved the approval of the Treasurer's reports for January 2026 and paying bills, authorizing blanket purchase orders up to $550,000, and certifying necessary tax levies based on budget commission determinations. The Board also approved the Five-Year Financial Forecast for FY26-30 and the updated substitute teacher list. A resolution was passed authorizing the voluntary renewal of membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for 2026-2027, adopting its rules as minimum requirements. Approvals were granted for additional coaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year, a donation from the Northmor Music Boosters, and several staffing agreements and contracts with the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center for various services (SLP, PT, staffing). Employment recommendations included approvals for numerous coaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year, acceptance of a resignation, and approval for staff working OHSAA Sectional Boys' Basketball games. The Board conducted an executive session to discuss employment, dismissal, discipline, or compensation of a public employee or official.

The Board of Education addressed several key items during the meeting. These included approving the Treasurer's reports for December 2025, approving the Alternate Tax Budget for FY 27, and setting the mileage reimbursement rate at the IRS rate of 0.725 cents per mile. The Board also approved agreements with Minutemen HR Management Service for unemployment services and workers' compensation. A Proclamation was issued declaring January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month. Further actions involved approving the updated substitute teacher list, a contract with Morrow County Area Transit (MCAT) for 2026, and the 2026-2027 school calendar. A significant resolution was passed authorizing an agreement with Kokosing Construction Company, Inc. for the Parking Lots Repair Project, not to exceed $549,625.00, utilizing a national purchasing consortium for procurement exemption. Additionally, several employment recommendations were approved, including appointments for several Head Coaches for the 2026-2027 school year, approval of substitute rates, and acceptance of resignations for a cook and a teacher. The Board also distributed the Superintendent and Treasurer evaluation forms for completion by the end of January.

During this organizational meeting, the Board of Education conducted internal elections, resulting in the selection of Tim Bachelder as President and Carlyle Smith as Vice President. Key resolutions passed included establishing the official meeting time for 2026, with exceptions for June and July, and authorizing an $8,000.00 Service Fund for professional meetings. The Board accepted the tax rates and amounts certified by the Morrow County Auditor and authorized the Treasurer to manage local tax advances, pay bills, and invest inactive funds. Furthermore, the Superintendent was authorized to act as Purchasing Agent, employ temporary personnel, accept resignations, and serve as the Public Records Officer. The Board also passed a resolution classifying expenditures for food, beverages, and amenities for employees or third parties in Board-sponsored activities as serving a valid public purpose, while prohibiting the use of funds for alcoholic beverages. Finally, the annual conflict of interest disclosure in accordance with Policy 1130 was approved, building secretaries were assigned responsibility for deposit collection, and members were appointed to various committees.