Michael Delawder

The Superintendent provided updates on several key operational items, including the implementation of a weighted grade and class standing policy for CTE advanced standing courses, online day plans for school closures (HB33), the proposed academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, and professional development concerning "Explicit Instruction" and associated expenses. The Board approved the "Explicit Instruction" professional development, which includes a paid book study stipend for staff during Summer 2026 and approval for administration to attend an out-of-state conference in Portland, Oregon. The Treasurer presented the month-end financial reports for November 2025, including cash reconciliations, fund balances, and budget versus actual comparisons, and the Board accepted a $1,000.00 donation from the United Way of the River Cities, Inc. for the High School Mu Alpha Theta/Math Club Fund. Following an executive session concerning employment and compensation matters, the Board accepted the immediate resignations of two part-time track coaching positions. Resolutions were passed to approve several substitute teachers and aides, employ one full-time bus driver for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year, and approve the service credit retirement of a Custodian effective February 11, 2026. The Board also approved the resignation of an Elementary School Teacher effective December 31, 2025. Further actions included approving expenses for an elementary school field trip chaperone to New York City, appointing an unpaid volunteer coach, and appointing a Board President Pro-Tempore for the organizational meeting scheduled for January 12, 2026.

The Superintendent provided updates on the adoption of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework Version 2.0, an early high school graduate, a Philadelphia field trip scheduled for May 4-6, 2026, and Calamity Days. The Board officially adopted the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Version 2.0, authorized the early high school graduation of Trenton Patterson, and approved the high school field trip to Philadelphia. A resolution was passed approving the 2026 High School After-Prom event, including funding from the General Fund. The Treasurer presented financial reports for January 2026, retroactively approved the February 2026 Financial Forecast, and authorized the creation of a new fund for School Bus Safety Grant money. The Board entered and exited an executive session to discuss employment, compensation, and complaints against public employees. Subsequent resolutions approved substitute teaching and aide positions, a home instruction tutor appointment, a maternity leave of absence, the hiring of an Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach, and the retirement of the Food Service Director effective June 5, 2026.

The meeting addressed several resolutions upon the Superintendent's recommendation. Key actions included the approval of the 2026-2027 academic calendar, approval of a $30,000.00 grant agreement with AI Learning Solutions Group for 'Artificial Intelligence in Education -- TechCred,' and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lawrence County Board of Developmental Disabilities for the Open Door School for the 2026-2027 school year. The Board also authorized continued membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) for 2026-2027, approved an early high school graduation request, and authorized two MOUs with Marshall University concerning dual enrollment and seamless direct admission. Following Treasurer updates, the Board accepted a $1,000.00 donation for the High School Prom Fund, announced 2026 committee appointments, accepted the resignation of Chad Scott from supervisory roles effective January 1, 2026, and approved several employment actions for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, including new hires, substitute approvals, coaching supplements, and a rate increase for transportation services.

The Superintendent provided updates regarding a potential greenhouse construction project at the corner of Washington and High Streets, the status of the 2026-2027 Open Door School program, and a potential Driver's Education program partnership. The Board approved the purchase and construction of the specified greenhouse kit, with costs anticipated to be charged to the General Fund-Medicaid School Program Fund. The Treasurer presented December 2025 month-end financials, professional development training completed, a proposed alternative tax budget for FY26, bids received for E-Rate Category 2 network upgrades, and credit card rewards earned. The Board subsequently approved the December 2025 financial statements and authorized the filing of the 2025-2026 Alternative Tax Budget. Furthermore, the Board approved contracts for network management devices and network cabling, funded significantly by Federal Category 2 E-Rate Grant funding. The Board entered an executive session to discuss employment, compensation, and complaints against public employees, and upon returning, approved employment resolutions for a long-term substitute teacher, a home instruction tutor, several substitute teachers, a substitute aide, a substitute nurse, and a part-time/as-needed maintenance and transportation consultant.

The organizational meeting included the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in Ms. Jessica Bryant being named School Board President and Mr. Bryan Mulkey as Vice President. Several resolutions recommended by the Treasurer were adopted, including the approval of Public Official Bonds for various officials, authorizing the Treasurer to pay bills and invest active funds, requesting advances of property tax revenue, establishing a $5,000.00 service line item for Board of Education members, renewing the membership with the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) including its legal assistance fund, approving a maximum credit card limit of $100,000.00 for 2026, and appointing the Public Records Designee for elected Board members for 2026.