Jonathan Bowman

The Board of Education engaged in a student-focused governance roadmap and goal-setting work session. Key discussion topics included revisiting the 90-day governance roadmap, reviewing district support systems and student achievement data, analyzing the Ohio School Report Card, and identifying key strengths and challenges. Additionally, the board worked on drafting student-focused priority areas and specific board-level goals to guide future academic performance and student outcomes.

Key discussions included student and staff recognition, specifically regarding the MakersSpace at West Union High School, funded by grant money, and the WUES STEAM Program featuring robotics and a recent production of Finding Nemo. Financial matters involved the approval of monthly financial reports and the resolution to amend Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations. Under facilities, the purchase of a new school bus was tabled pending additional information, and field trip requests were approved. Committee reports detailed ongoing work for operations, communication (including fundraising for FORGE clothing), policy updates, finance scheduling, and agenda planning. Personnel actions included the approval of retirements, resignations, employment actions, and specific votes to approve coaching appointments. The session concluded with an executive session regarding employee matters and security protocols, followed by a brief discussion of bowling expenses under Old Business.

The organizational meeting commenced with the roll call and the Pledge to the Flag. Newly elected Board Members were sworn into office. Key actions included the approval of the revised agenda, the opening and closing of nominations, and the subsequent election of the 2026 Board President, David Riley, and Vice-President, Sally McDaniel. The President and Vice-President also took their Oaths of Office. The Board approved the 2026 Standing Authorizations, membership/subscription items including OSBA Briefcase and School Management News, appointments for OSBA Legislative Liaison (Trent Arey) and Student Achievement Liaison (Paula McIntosh), designation of Public Records Training Designees, authorization for attendance at professional meetings in 2026, the Board Service Fund of $10,000.00, the 2026 mileage rate, and the Tax Budget submission timeline for the upcoming fiscal year. Finally, the 2026 Board Meeting dates, starting at 5:30 p.m., were approved before the meeting adjourned.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics such as legislative updates, school security, gym floor bids, and CTE funding increases. The board also addressed textbook adoption, gymnasium floor refinishing, field trip requests, technology upgrades including network cabling and switches, and technician service contracts. Committee reports were presented, and personnel matters including retirements, resignations, and employment were approved. The board set the date for the Organizational Meeting in January 2026 and discussed the PES Conceptual Architectural Landscape Design Presentation for Sensory Garden and the ACOVSD Reading Improvement Plan. The meeting also involved recognizing outgoing Board Members.

The meeting included a roll call and pledge to the flag, followed by approval of the agenda. The Board rescinded and then approved the financial forecast and assumptions after identifying and correcting errant numbers. An executive session was held to discuss the employment of a public employee or official. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.