Jim Calhoon

The meeting included standard opening procedures such as roll call, pledge to the flag, and a moment of silence. Key items under the consent agenda involved the approval of the October 2025 Board of Education Meeting Minutes, approval of Revised Policy PO 5223 regarding Released Time for Religious Instruction, acceptance of several donations with an approximate total value exceeding $600, and approval for student participation in the SkillsUSA Fall Leadership Conference. The financial report provided an update on October financials, noting variances in revenue and expenses compared to the previous year, discussed the impact of county commissioner actions on owner occupancy tax credits, and detailed state property tax measures pending gubernatorial action. The Superintendent's report covered recognition events, including the Ralph Phillips Business Partner of the Year Dinner and Veteran's Day recognition, and recommended agreements with Shelby Pointe for CNA Training and with Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center for Board Certified Behavior Analyst Services. The personnel report addressed resignations, voluntary transfers, and approvals for various employment actions. The Board also entered into an Executive Session to consider matters related to public employee compensation.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics, such as approving contracted services for performing arts adjunct instructors, cafeteria breakfast, lunch, and milk prices, a policy for the Career Advising Plan, and Avita Health Systems as a medical facility site for physicals for bus and van drivers. Additionally, the board accepted an agreement for a Community Reinvestment Area Compensation Agreement, the 2017-2018 Transportation Agreement with RCT, and an MOU with Mansfield Memorial Homes and the Adult Education STNA program. They also accepted donations and nominated an official delegate and alternate to the annual OSBA Business Meeting and approved an agreement with Renhill Group.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Revisions to the hourly pay schedule were explained, including steps added for Career Coaches and an increase in hourly pay for Student Helpers. The board adopted a resolution for approval of student insurance rates for the 2022-23 school year and approved a service level agreement and FY23 contract between Pioneer and NCOCC. Several donations were accepted, and student participation in competitive events such as the State FFA Convention and SkillsUSA National Championships was approved. The treasurer reported on health insurance rates, bond retirement fund, food services balance, and the General Fund, including an IWIP payment. The board also reviewed the five-year forecast. The board recognized guests and heard reports on board goals, student achievement, legislative matters, and the superintendent's activities. Personnel recommendations were approved, and a clinical agreement between Pioneer CTC Adult Education and Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities was also approved. The board entered into an executive session to consider the employment and/or dismissal of a public employee or official.

The organizational meeting included the Pledge to the Flag and a Moment of Silence. Key actions involved administering the Oath of Office to new and re-appointed board members, followed by the election of the Board of Education President, Douglas Theaker, and the Vice President, Dennis Long. The Board also established the regular meeting time and place, setting regular meetings for the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Conference Room. Appointments were made for the Legislative Liaison (Mike Grady), Student Achievement Liaison (Robyn Almanson), and members of the Financial Audit Committee (Douglas Theaker and Bill Hope). Routine annual business approvals included authorizing the Treasurer to pay outstanding bills, invest interim monies up to $25,000,000, request advance tax payments, prepare blanket certificates up to $350,000, waive notice periods for tax abatement proposals, approve Board of Education Expenses ($15,000), and appoint the Director of Business Affairs as Purchasing Agent. Additionally, the Superintendent was authorized to make employment offers and accept resignations subject to ratification, and to apply for Federal and State Grants.

The meeting included the approval of several consent agenda items, such as the affiliation agreement with Avita Health System for medical technologies students and an MOU with the Ohio Department of Higher Education for CTX Funds. Donations were accepted for the Rene' Burtscher Memorial Scholarship fund. The Treasurer's Financial Report covered the halfway point of the fiscal year, noting a healthy general fund balance, the completion and filing of a clean audit, and the submission of the County Budget incorporating updated tax rates and valuations. The Superintendent's Report covered calendar items, personnel actions including approving unpaid leave and a supplemental contract for the CTE Alternative Licensure Program, and an update on the cafeteria expansion project. The Board also approved an agreement with Akron Children's Hospital for clinical experiences and addressed Calamity Day usage projections. The Board entered into an Executive Session to consider personnel matters.