Mike Jacob

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the presentation of Board Members' Certificates of Appreciation and a token of appreciation to the Superintendent for his service. Treasurer's items approved involved the December 2025 financial reports, including cash balances across various funds, the list of bills paid in December 2025, transfers to the Schoolwide Pool Fund for instructional costs, acceptance of several donations, and approval of multiple Purchase Orders for services such as AI Training, bus software, treasurer software, excavating, school services, and the 2026 calendar year premium for Worker's Compensation. The Superintendent's Report covered operational updates, including the opening of a new elementary parking lot, auditorium seat installation, and progress with the HelloHero program. Curriculum updates included the start of the Spring semester for College Credit Plus and updates on the 3rd Grade Fall Results. Elementary highlights included a Hall of Fame School nomination submission and the PTA paying off lunch accounts for 18 families. Middle School noted the success of the Spelling Bee and the STCMS Food Drive. High School focused on scholarship season, planning a May mental health awareness event, and updates on Prom and Fine Arts schedules. Personnel items approved included Christina Laudermilt as Interim Superintendent, Child Rearing Leave for Kristen Rateno, stipends for College Credit Plus teachers, and the hiring of a Classified Substitute Bus Driver and a Basketball Volunteer. Recommendations approved included the 2026-2027 School Year calendar, a College Credit Plus Memorandum of Understanding with Belmont College, a resolution to use paper testing for 3rd Grade OST assessments, and verifications regarding the Indoor Percussion Instructor position. Several Board Policies were reviewed for future approval. New Business included approving a Pupil Activity Contract for Nick Reidmiller as the Indoor Percussion Instructor.

The organizational meeting involved administering the oath of office to newly elected and existing board members, followed by the nomination and election of the President and Vice President for 2026. Key authorizations approved included setting the schedule for regular meetings in 2026, clarifying board member compensation at $125.00 per meeting for one meeting per month, and appropriating $10,000 to the Service Fund. The Board also authorized the Treasurer to request tax fund advances, invest available funds, and borrow money if necessary before the next meeting. Furthermore, the Board confirmed the commencement format for May 22, 2026, established 2026 board committee assignments, adopted the tax budget for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, approved several parental involvement policies, appointed Michael Fador to the Belmont-Harrison JVSD Board of Education for a three-year term, self-certified the micro-purchase threshold for federal funds at $50,000 for FY26, and affirmed compliance with federal conflict of interest policies.

The regular meeting included the presentation of the Golden Apple Award and acknowledgments for a departing Board Member. Key discussions covered the district's plan for mental health awareness, with community input provided. Treasurer's items approved included the November 2025 financial reports, payment of bills, transfers to the Schoolwide Pool Fund, several donations, the renewal of major medical insurance, purchase orders, joining the OSBA Legal Assistance Fund, OSBA annual membership, and setting dates for future Tax Budget, Organizational, and Regular Meetings. The Superintendent's report detailed facility progress (weight room, gymnasium, parking lot, auditorium seats), updates on legislation regarding the 20 mil floor and NIL, curriculum efforts including AI training and EMT discussions, and commendations for elementary and middle school achievements. Personnel actions included accepting the Superintendent's pending retirement resignation, contract renewal, approval of various substitutes and volunteers, and approval of pupil activity contracts. Recommendations approved encompassed the 2026-2027 scheduling and College Credit Plus handbooks, authorization to commence competitive bidding for a security camera project via COPS Grant, and approval of several Memorandums of Understanding and Board Policies. New business involved approving a pupil activity contract for a wrestling coach, reviewing the 2026-2027 calendar, and accepting a Middle School teacher's retirement resignation. The session concluded with an Executive Session.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in the school district, as well as the positive impact of the new High School Science Labs. The Golden Apple Award was presented to the H.S. Assistant Principal for her leadership during an unexpected campus situation. The Board approved various Treasurer's items, including financial reports, a list of bills paid, transfers to the Schoolwide Pool Fund, and donations. The Superintendent's Report covered district updates, curriculum developments, and reports from elementary, middle, and high schools. Personnel items were approved, including family medical leave, payments for Middle School Musical assistance, certified substitutes, volunteers, and supplemental contracts. The Board also approved a temporary maintenance helper and various recommendations, including band trips, the District Gifted Identification Plan, an amendment to the High School Scheduling Handbook, a resolution to authorize bidding for buses, an agreement with BSN Sports, recognition of Girls' Flag Football as a club sport, and several Board Policies. The meeting also included an executive session.

The meeting included discussions on the treasurer's items, such as financial reports, transfers to the Schoolwide Pool Fund, donations, and amended appropriations and revenues. The Superintendent's report covered district updates including the completion of the auditorium painting, gymnasium entrance painting, and French drains installation. Curriculum updates included the Science Lab Update, PBL Project for ES Parking Lot, Sphero PD, and Math Curriculum. Personnel items were approved, including payments for traffic control, supervisors for Title I projects, and volunteers for the school year. The board also approved recommendations such as the purchase of a parcel, an 8th Grade Washington DC trip, and an agreement with the City of St. Clairsville for a Resource Officer. The board went into executive session.