Zach Dennis

The board discussed a variety of agenda items including curriculum updates, facility reports, and financial matters such as monthly reports and check registers. Key discussions involved the approval of a contract for therapy services, approval of various student handbooks, and a first reading of several board policies. Additionally, the board addressed personnel items, including employment contracts for various roles, supplemental positions, and administrative contracts, as well as the non-renewal of certain tutor positions. The meeting also included an executive session to deliberate on employment and compensation matters.

The board meeting included recognitions for student and coach athletic achievements, updates on special education and federal funds, and the establishment of a graduation date. Financial matters were addressed, including the review of monthly financial statements, donations, a budget resolution for student activity accounts, and the purchase and disposal of school buses. Personnel actions covered resignations, various employment contracts, substitute hiring, and volunteer appointments. Discussions focused on the intent not to renew an emergency levy and the authorization of a new club sport. Additionally, the meeting included an executive session for employment and compensation matters.

The board discussed facilities updates, a property transaction, financial reports, and received presentations from the FFA and Shared Services Alliance. Personnel matters including resignations, employment changes, and volunteer appointments were addressed. The board reviewed and approved various financial agenda items, including budget amendments, donations, parking lot renovation bids, and transfers. Additional business included approving graduation lists, membership in educational associations, overnight trip requests, and amendments to handbooks and policies regarding adult lunch prices and cybersecurity. An executive session was held to discuss contract negotiations and personnel matters.

The meeting agenda included recognizing student achievements, specifically an OSSCA All-Ohio Recipient and several OHSAA All-Ohio Recipients in football. Reports were scheduled from the Superintendent and Treasurer concerning the Athletic Department, LED Lighting, and Legislative updates. The Financial Consent Agenda covered the review of December 2025 financial reports, approval of a resolution to advertise bids for a school bus purchase, and a review of donations received in December 2025. The Personnel Consent Agenda involved employment and changes for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, including supplemental, substitute, and volunteer positions. Items for action included the second reading of the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar, approval to continue as an open enrollment district for 2026-2027, approval of the School Resource Officer Agreement with the Village of Smithville, and approval of the BusRight Contract. A future regular board meeting was scheduled for February 23, 2026.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included an opening segment with approval of minutes from the Organizational Meeting (January 9, 2026) and the previous Regular Meeting (January 27, 2026), followed by public participation and legislative liaison report. The Superintendent's report covered transportation, safety committee updates, family and community engagement, and an upcoming appreciation breakfast. The financial agenda focused heavily on January 2026 reports, including approvals for financial statements, donations (totaling over $6,000 from various sources), resolutions related to budget statements and accepting county budget commission rates, a major fund transfer from the General Fund, and approval of the Five-Year Forecast. The board also planned to address employment changes (including a leave of absence) and various action items such as approving the 2026 graduation list, OHSAA membership, music/art association resolutions, and two overnight trip requests for wrestling tournaments. Discussions were slated for future board meeting dates.