Emily Ledford

The meeting included the appointment of legislative and student achievement liaisons for the OSBA. Key agenda items covered the approval of various donations for the FFA and Softball programs, authorization for an upcoming HS Softball trip to Florida, renewal of OHSAA membership, and approval of open enrollment class size limits. The Board also addressed personnel matters including resignations, staffing appointments, and supplemental contracts for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. Financial actions involved reviewing reports, approving amended permanent appropriations, and authorizing a contract for track resurfacing. Additionally, the Board discussed upcoming district events and the academic calendar for 2027-2028.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of various donations spanning multiple funds like MS Track, Athletic, Girls Basketball, Bowling, and FFA. The Board reviewed and approved a revised contract with CCBCC Operations LLC (Coca-Cola), and approved student attendance at the Ohio DECA State Conference. Other contractual approvals involved a contract with Warren County ESC (Wellness Center) for an IEP student and a service agreement with Southern Ohio Learning Center for a student placement. The Board approved the curriculum guide for the 2026-27 school year, an invoice for Ohio School Boards Association membership dues, and a proposal to repair the MS/intermediate gym roof. A resolution was presented authorizing the acceptance of territory from the Little Miami Local School District. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved with the Village of Blanchester concerning the installation of a tornado siren. Treasurer business involved reviewing financial reports, approving two transfers from Title funds to Title I, approving the February Forecast submission, adopting a resolution for tax levies, approving a Cash Balance Policy (second reading), approving grant awards (Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation School Safety and Security Grant, Bus Safety Grant, and Vallee Grants for Track and Summer Learning), and approving the Amended Permanent Appropriations Resolution. Personnel actions included accepting resignations for retirement from two certified staff members and one classified staff member, approving a dock day for a certified staff member, approving contracts for a new MS Assistant Principal and a Reading Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year, approving stipends for assessment support, approving a list of substitute teachers and a sub aide, and approving supplemental contracts for various coaching positions. Discussion items covered open enrollment limits for the 2026-27 school year, the upcoming 'Let's Glow Night,' proposed school calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28, and the grading scale for 2026-2027. The agenda included provisions for an Executive Session to discuss employee compensation and related matters.

The combined meeting addressed organizational matters, including administering the Oath of Office to elected board members and conducting elections for the Board President and Vice President. Key procedural items established for 2026 included setting regular meeting schedules and granting standing authorizations to the Treasurer for financial actions such as paying bills, securing advances, and investing funds. Other actions included appointing a board member to the Blanchester Education Foundation and authorizing the Superintendent's purchasing and employment authority limits. During the Regular Meeting portion, the agenda was adopted with additions concerning personnel and Treasurer transfers. Donations to various school funds were approved, as was the schedule of Board meetings for 2026 and the reappointment of Jim Johnson to the Blanchester Library Board of Trustees. The Treasurer's business involved reviewing financial reports and approving several inter-fund transfers. The Superintendent's business covered personnel recommendations, including staffing, approval of supplemental contracts for tutoring and athletics, and approval of classified staff assignments and supplemental contracts for the 2025-2026 school year. Finally, the Board watched a required fraud reporting and training video.

The meeting included a presentation of the State Local Report Card Results and recognitions for dedication to the Putman Reading Program and contributions from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, FFA, and NHS. Key business items approved included accepting numerous donations across various funds (Athletic, Drama, Baseball, Girls Basketball, FFA, NHS, Superintendent, Band, and HS Principal funds). The Board also approved contracts for speech and language services with Clinton County Community Action Program Inc. Head Start for the 2025-2026 school year, annual agreements with the Southern Ohio Learning Center, and minimum payment in lieu of transportation for several students. Approvals were granted for out-of-state travel for the FFA Convention and a severance payout for Andrea Harpen. Additionally, numerous policy updates concerning co-curricular activities, grading, religious expression, finance, transportation, and records management were recommended for approval. The Treasurer's Business involved approving financial report reviews, transfers between Title grants, and Vallee Fund Grants, alongside a discussion regarding purchasing procedures and the potential financial impact of the Yellow Wood Solar Energy project and changes to Owner Occupancy Credits. The Superintendent's Business included accepting resignations for retirement from several staff members, including a principal, and approving contract amendments and supplemental contracts funded by various sources, including the CLSD Grant.

The Blanchester Board of Education convened for a regular session, addressing multiple facets of district operations. Key actions included approving donations from various entities to support different school funds, approving a resolution regarding transportation impracticality for the 2025-2026 school year, and setting the minimum payment in lieu of transportation. The board also reviewed and approved several board policies related to drug testing for motor van drivers, bidding requirements, programs for gifted students, board policy development, school bus safety, cybersecurity, professional staff assignments, and cellphone use by students. Additionally, the 2025-2026 Literacy Plan was approved, and the treasurer's financial reports were reviewed.