Ruth Ann Dowler

The meeting commenced with the establishment of the agenda, which was approved unanimously. Discussions included an update from the Van Wert High School Principal and Student Council regarding activities and projects for the 2025-2026 school year. Board representatives provided updates on Vantage Board activities, VWAPAF programming and financial planning, the Athletic Council's winter sports season and stadium anniversary preparations, and the Safety Team's recent drill debriefing and future PA system updates. The Treasurer presented October financial statements, fiscal year 2026 amended permanent appropriations, and an updated Eggerss Stadium project budget. The Assistant Superintendent provided updates on maintenance planning, staffing, and praised staff cooperation during a recent power outage. The Superintendent reviewed the second reading of Neola policies, planning for professional development and conferences, staffing updates, the Eggerss Stadium restoration project, and legislative matters including property tax reform. Consent resolutions approved numerous items, including employee resignations and retirements, supplemental contract approvals, a new custodial worker and bus driver, monthly financial reports, long-term ISP contract approval, overnight trip requests, service contract agreement with Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center, architect/engineer agreement for stadium restoration, participation in a cooperative bus purchasing program, amendments to Permanent Appropriations, and authorization for payment of specific high-value invoices. Non-consent resolutions included the approval of numerous revised and new Neola policies. The annual Nutrition Standards report was presented. The Board was also informed of staff advancements on the payscale for the second semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. The date, time, and location for the 2026 organizational meeting, fiscal year 2027 tax budget hearing, and regular January 2026 meeting were set for January 14, 2026.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the recitation of the Vision and Mission. The agenda was accepted by a 5-0 vote. Board representatives provided updates on the Vantage Board, including renovation projects, and discussed programming, finances, and declining attendance related to VWAPAF. The Athletic Council reported on sound system installation and ticket sales. The Treasurer reviewed November financial statements, cash balances, and discussed the Eggerss Stadium project budget and the upcoming fiscal year 2027 tax budget hearing. The Assistant Superintendent detailed collaboration with law enforcement, maintenance planning, and the ongoing search for bids on a new bus. A public participation segment addressed concerns regarding the High School Renaissance program's tardiness policy. The Superintendent recognized an outgoing board member, honored OSBA Media Honor Roll recipients, discussed professional development on immersion learning, and provided updates on staffing and legislative matters including property tax reform. A presentation was given by the VW School @ the Goedde Principal and students on the Culinary Arts program, which included serving a meal. Consent resolutions covered numerous items, including accepting several staff retirements and approving new personnel, volunteer coaches, financial reports, a variable pricing agreement for natural gas supply, and accepting various donations, particularly for the Eggerss Stadium Project. A non-consent resolution involved electing Anthony Adams as president pro-tem for the January 14, 2026, Organizational Meeting. Several employees were approved for payscale advancement due to coursework. Notification of residential CRA applications was acknowledged. The Board entered and exited executive session to discuss the employment of public personnel and economic development negotiations.

The meeting commenced with an organizational session, including the administration of the Oath of Office to new members and the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year. Consent resolutions for the organizational meeting addressed establishing depository banks, authorizing the Treasurer for investments and advance tax draws, designating the Treasurer for public records training, and authorizing expenditures for staff benefits. The Board approved the fiscal year 2027 tax budget. The regular meeting agenda included reports on School Board Recognition Month and presentations from the Food Service Director. Consent resolutions for the regular meeting covered personnel actions, including accepting a Director of Maintenance's resignation effective June 30, 2026, approving a new Custodial-Maintenance Worker effective January 5, 2026, and approving a CEO Program Coordinator/Instructor for the 2026-2027 contract year. The Board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the teachers' federation, authorized an overnight trip for the AP Government class, approved the purchase of a Transit bus for $150,244.00, established a Capital Projects Fund, approved amendments to fiscal year 2026 Permanent Appropriations, authorized payment for a large chocolate vendor invoice, and accepted numerous donations to various school programs and projects, including significant contributions towards the Eggerss Stadium Project. Notification of a CRA application from the City of Van Wert was acknowledged. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss personnel employment and economic development negotiations.

The meeting agenda included standard procedures such as the Pledge of Allegiance, recitation of the Vision/Mission, and public participation protocols, which limits speakers to thirty minutes total. Key discussion areas involved a curriculum and instruction presentation concerning VW School @ the Goedde, and reports from board representatives on various councils and teams. Under Consent Resolutions, the Board addressed several personnel actions, including accepting resignations due to retirement for five staff members (custodial-maintenance worker, Assistant to the Director of Technology, Social Worker, School Psychologist, and Secretary) and approving the employment of a cafeteria worker and two volunteer coaches. Additionally, the Board approved a variable pricing agreement with Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC for natural gas supply and recognized media representatives for the OSBA 2025 Media Honor Roll. A significant number of financial donations were also accepted for various activity funds and the Eggerss Stadium Project. The Board also addressed employee pay scale advancements due to coursework and acknowledged notification from the City of Van Wert regarding residential CRA applications. The session concluded with a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss employment matters and confidential economic development information.

The special meeting included a work session focused on the district and athletics facilities and equipment five-year planning/discussion.