Robert Alsept

The agenda for the meeting includes committee meetings for Curriculum and Facilities, followed by the Regular Meeting. Key discussion points involve the recognition of 'Student of the Month' honorees for Core Value 'Servant Leadership', procedures for public participation, and financial matters requiring Treasurer's Consent Recommendations, such as approving financial reports, adjustments to permanent appropriations and the Amended Certificate #2, approving a Then & Now invoice, authorizing a transfer from the General Fund to the Cafeteria Fund, and approving a contract. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to multiple resolutions concerning Franklin Township regarding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts: Resolution No. #1-2026 for the Route 250 TIF, Resolution No. #2-2026 for the Bell-Store TIF, and Resolution No. #3-2026 for the Harwalk Road TIF. These resolutions involve waiving required statutory notices from Franklin Township concerning TIF ordinances, authorizing the execution of School Compensation Agreements, and declaring public purpose and authorizing tax exemptions for public infrastructure improvements related to these TIF districts.

The board meeting agenda was modified to include an addendum for the election of the president protim for the January organizational meeting. A resolution was approved to amend board policies to permit virtual board meetings. Key recognitions included introducing the December Students of the Month (Roger, Loretta, and Jade Armstrong) and the Adult Education Student of the Month. The board also addressed consent recommendations, which included approving the financial report, bank reconciliation, bills, and purchase orders for November 2020, as well as approving a multivendor purchase order for utilities. Superintendent consent recommendations covered several items, including the Dental Assisting course of study, customized training for a War Creek planning agreement, and adult education fees. Information was also shared regarding the Aspire program, detailing its free services for GED preparation, job skills, and educational enhancement. Finally, notification was received regarding a proposed Marriott hotel development in the city of New Philadelphia.

The Organizational Board of Education Meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to new appointees for three-year terms representing various school districts. Key agenda items involved nominations and voting for the Board President for 2026, followed by nominations and voting for the Vice President for 2026. The Board also established the schedule for all Regular Board of Education Meetings for the Calendar Year 2026. Furthermore, resolutions were passed to authorize the Treasurer to manage payments for contractual obligations, payrolls, and expenses in 2026, including establishing limits for Blanket Purchase Orders. Authorization was also granted for the Treasurer to invest funds, modify appropriations, and request tax advances during 2026. Other actions included authorizing the dispensing with the reading of previous minutes, appointing the Superintendent as purchasing agent and Non-Routine Student Transportation Designee, appointing the Treasurer as the designee for Certified Public Records Training, establishing the Times-Reporter as the official publication, authorizing the Superintendent to apply for grants, and establishing a service fund.

The board meeting included recognition of students who recently competed in a state-level Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) competition, detailing their achievements in events like medical photography and healthcare issues exams, and wishing them luck for the upcoming national competition in Texas. A significant discussion centered on the required five-year strategic plan rewrite necessary to maintain Perkins Five funding rates for educational programs. This process involves data analysis, goal setting, and prioritizing funding uses, such as supporting counselor services and initiating new programs like Project B and live work initiatives. The board also discussed submitting applications by the June 30th deadline and noted consortium involvement with the Upper Valley Career Center for adult post-secondary funding applications.

The meeting covered the approval of the agenda, which included a modification regarding the retirement date of Nancy Gray. Key discussions included an update on student of the month recognitions for both high school and adult education divisions, highlighting students recognized for innovation, adaptability, and academic performance during remote learning. Financial matters included approval of reports, payment of bills, approval of 2020-2021 health insurance rates, a five-year forecast, and accepting a copier agreement. Personnel items involved approval of contract renewals, non-renewals for adult education contracts, hiring summer workers, and accepting staff resignations/retirements. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the one-year negotiated agreement with the education association, which passed with a 1% increase. Discussions also covered the impact of the CARES Act funding on adult education versus K-12 programs, the governor's options for returning to school, and updates from the Facilities Committee regarding progress on the Linesman building and the Buckeye house.