Tad A. Douce

The meeting included updates on a bus safety grant, potential partnership for an agricultural program, status of the CEP program, and ongoing construction projects including roofing and bond levy items. Building reports were presented from elementary schools and the high school, covering upcoming events like career days and school activities. The Board approved the district's financial forecast, asset disposals, and financial reports. Additionally, the Board approved various agreements, including MOUs with the Teacher's Association, memberships, and revised mileage rates. Personnel actions were taken, including resignations and appointments for both certificated and classified staff, as well as the approval of supplemental coaching positions. An administrative contract for the Superintendent was also approved.

The meeting included an Annual Budget Hearing where the 2026-2027 tax budget was presented. During the Organizational Meeting, newly appointed board members were sworn in, and the Board President and Vice President for 2026 were elected. The board approved the agenda, excluding the first executive session and building reports, and established the time and location for future regular board meetings (second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm). Key organizational items included establishing the Board Service Fund and adopting standing authorizations for the Treasurer and Superintendent for Calendar Year 2026. The board re-adopted five district goals for the remainder of the current year and the 2026-2027 school year, and made appointments to various subcommittees and liaisons. Superintendent communications highlighted positive progress on capital projects, including the implementation of OpenGate Weapons Detectors, roof replacement projects, and bus garage fencing. New business involved approving the Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Budget, accepting various donations, authorizing asset disposals, and accepting financial reports for December 2025. The board also approved a proclamation designating January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month and approved OSBA membership for CY 2026. Personnel actions included the employment of a Permanent Substitute, acceptance of a retirement resignation for a cook, and approval of an education level adjustment for a technician. Additionally, supplemental coaching positions were granted to non-licensed individuals following unsuccessful internal and external applicant searches, and the resignation of the Head Football Coach was accepted. The board also conducted the first reading of revised board policies regarding therapy dogs in schools. An executive session was held to discuss negotiations concerning public employee compensation and details relative to security arrangements and emergency response protocols.

The meeting commenced with an adjustment to the agenda, removing the first executive session. Superintendent communications included an update on the implementation timeline for OpenGate Weapons Detectors starting in mid-December. Building reports detailed fundraising successes, upcoming holiday events, and preparations for weapons detector implementation at elementary levels. In New Business, the Board discussed property tax reform bills and the transition to a new OSBA online policy platform, noting a new February deadline for the fiscal year 2026 forecast. Treasurer recommendations involved accepting donations, authorizing the disposal of dumbbells, acknowledging November 2025 financial records, setting the Budget Hearing tentatively for January 8, 2026, and setting the Organizational Meeting for January 8, 2026. The Board approved OSBA membership for CY 2026 and an agreement with Specialized Education of Ohio. Several Personal Service Agreements were approved, including one for tournament managers and a revised agreement for show choir choreography services. Approval was also granted for joining the OSBA Legal Assistance Fund and establishing a Therapy Dog Program at Liberty Elementary beginning January 5, 2026. Personnel actions included accepting one retirement resignation and two other resignations, followed by the employment of several classified staff members in cook, aide, custodian, and substitute driver roles. The Board approved supplemental contracts for various coaching and advisory positions, some retroactive to August 1, 2025. Field trip approvals were granted for the Girls Wrestling team to two upcoming events. The Board entered into an executive session at 6:47pm concerning personnel matters and security arrangements, reconvening in regular session at 8:30pm. A final note indicated that the resolution for appointing a new Tri Rivers representative would be placed on the January 8, 2026, agenda.

The meeting addressed a request regarding a denied open enrollment application, with the board committing to reviewing related policies and procedures. Enrollment information for elementary buildings was shared, highlighting class sizes and future developments impacting the district. Updates were provided on traffic projects, the CTE Ribbon Cutting event, and the rollout of Open Gate Weapons Detectors. Building reports covered various activities and events at different schools. A Therapy Dog Proposal was presented for Liberty Elementary School. The board discussed property tax reform bills, grant applications, and the establishment of an Auxiliary Services Fund. Financial reports, donations, asset disposals, change funds, and appropriation adjustments were approved. The board also approved a resolution authorizing the treasurer to process dock leave. Resignations and employment of certificated and classified personnel were approved. Extended field trips for the High School Wrestling teams were also approved. The board had a second reading of recommended revised board policies related to student conduct on transportation and truancy. They also discussed the appointment to the TRCC board and curriculum changes to improve report card scores.

The meeting included legislative updates regarding property tax reform in Ohio and its potential impact on school funding. The board discussed implementing CEIA OpenGate Weapons Detectors at all four buildings, funded by Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid (DPIA). Updates were provided on the CTE Expansion Project, bus garage fencing, and roof replacement projects. Building principals shared updates from Heritage Elementary, Liberty Elementary, the Middle School, and the High School. The board approved financial reports, donations, substitute teacher list, and the forecast. Agreements and resolutions were approved, including those for shared transportation services, braille services, and the use of CEIA OpenGate Weapons Detectors. The board also discussed a community night to update members on the district's safety plan.