Matthew Dockery

The board discussed several topics including student recognitions for lifetime achievement and sectional wrestling accomplishments. The superintendent provided updates on a baseball field dedication, a proposed board retreat, and progress on master schedules. Reports were given regarding absenteeism initiatives, an after-school book club, and student participation in a math tournament. Legislative updates were provided on various House and Senate bills concerning food labeling, student foster care support, athletic participation physicals, educator licensing, math improvement plans, school operations, and absenteeism policies. The board also discussed establishing a formal process to recognize standout students and staff.

The meeting featured an update on emergency preparedness and an active shooter drill conducted in the district. A presentation was made regarding a teacher grant program, with a specific award granted to a teacher for a modern civics drone project. New board members took their oath of office, followed by the reorganization of the board, including the election of a president and vice president. The board addressed various administrative and financial agenda items, such as authorizing superintendent purchases, approving standing authorizations for the treasurer, appointing legal counsel, renewing membership with the Ohio School Boards Association, appointing an appeals officer for student suspensions, and establishing the schedule for regular board meetings. Additionally, the board appointed a legislative liaison and designated delegates for the OSBA capital conference.

The agenda for the regular meeting included reports from the President and Superintendent, including updates on the Brian Pusateri Field Dedication and the Board Retreat. New business addressed several superintendent items: recommending participation in the state's open enrollment policy for 2026-2027, approving agreements for OHSAA participation, Youngstown State student teachers, and Education Alternatives transportation for 2025-2026. Personnel actions included approving contracts for an ES Intervention Specialist and a Cafeteria Assistant, approving the retirement of a Cafeteria Assistant effective July 1, 2026, and accepting the resignation of a spring weight room advisor. The board also considered approving payment rates for a long-term substitute aide, issuing substitute contracts, issuing supplemental contracts for wrestling coaches, and approving payment for athletic support staff for a basketball tournament. Policy actions involved recommending approval for several policies (e.g., Membership and Election, Expense Reimbursements, Title IX Grievance Procedure) and reviewing updated policies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, NIL/Personal branding Rights). Treasurer's business included approving February financials, authorizing disposal of old girls' basketball uniforms, approving appropriation amendments for Funds 200 and 451-9926, approving an agreement with the Waterloo Youth Baseball/Softball Association for field use, and approving the 'Amounts and Rates' determined by the Budget Commission for FY27.

The meeting agenda included the adoption of the agenda, President's Report, Superintendent's Report, Principal's Reports, and Legislative Report. Key Superintendent's Business involved recommending an increase for various substitute rates (bus driver, van driver, aide/cafeteria/secretary, custodian/utility). The board was asked to approve resignations for a Bus Driver/Cafeteria Assistant and a Teacher, as well as a retirement for a teacher with 30 years of service. Contract approvals were recommended for two aides/bus drivers. Further recommendations included approving a certified substitute, issuing supplemental contracts for coaching/track positions due to lack of certified staff applicants, and approving teachers for after-school tutoring. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were presented for approval, covering remote learning, minimum bus driver hours, and CCP classes with Akron University and Stark State College. The board was also asked to approve LearnWell services for a student and temporarily waive spring athletic fees for students who already paid for fall/winter sports. Treasurer's Business included approving the January financials and accepting an anonymous donation to the baseball program and a donation of a pitching machine. Finally, approval was sought for an Internet Services contract and the Forecast.

The Course Description Guide for Waterloo Sr High School aims to assist students and parents in selecting appropriate subjects and planning academic schedules. It details graduation requirements, academic areas of study, registration procedures, and course descriptions across various departments including Art, English/Language Arts, Foreign Language, Health and Physical Education, Mathematics, Music, Science, and Social Studies. Additionally, it provides information on college preparatory courses, College Credit Plus programs, career and technical education pathways, and special programs to guide students toward their educational and vocational goals.