West Branch Local School District

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. The primary discussion item involved Professional Development, during which the Board, Superintendent, and Treasurer participated in a session provided by The Impact Group. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Key discussions during the meeting included addressing visitor and association comments regarding staffing needs, particularly requesting additional teaching and intervention specialist positions. Recognitions were given for the Winter Homecoming Queen and Court. Building reports were presented. The Superintendent provided updates on athletic facilities, the conference realignment involving other schools leaving the current conference, and a significant water leak discovery near the high school parking lot, awaiting follow-up water pressure testing. The Student and Staff Member of the Month were recognized. The Treasurer presented the financial forecast, indicating potential deficit spending starting in the 2027-2028 school year due to property tax revenue reductions, suggesting a levy might be necessary. Consent items covered approvals for the agenda, financial reports for January 2026, a transfer from a grant fund, gifts and donations, and various personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new employments, contract approvals for principals and administrators, extended days, volunteer approvals, athletic supplementals, and professional days. Old Business included authorization for participation in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2026-2027 membership. The Board entered and exited Executive Session to discuss the appointment of a public official. New Business included the continuation of Open Enrollment for 2026-2027, the hiring of Matt Manley as Superintendent, approval of Memorandums of Understanding with the Classified Employees' Association regarding calamity days and library aides classification, approval of the Financial Forecast for Fiscal Years 2026 thru 2030, certification of tax rates from the County Auditor, approval of a contract with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center, and a resolution supporting traffic signal installation in Damascus. A presentation on the One Plan update was also given.

Key discussions included personnel matters, such as accepting retirements and approving new employments and contracts for principals and administrators. The Board addressed community input concerning staffing needs and reviewed building reports. Updates from the Superintendent covered the athletic facilities progress, recent conference realignment decisions leading to an application for NE8 membership, and an update on a major water leak near the high school parking lot. The Treasurer presented the financial forecast, indicating potential deficit spending starting in the 2027-2028 school year due to property tax revenue reductions, suggesting a future levy is likely. Further actions included approving the continuation of the Open Enrollment option for the next school year, approving several Memoranda of Understanding with the West Branch Classified Employees' Association regarding calamity days and Library Aides' pay scale, approving the Financial Forecast, accepting tax rates certified by the County Auditor, approving a contract with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center, adopting a resolution supporting a traffic signal installation in Damascus, and receiving a presentation on the One Plan.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. Key discussions centered on professional development, during which the Board, Superintendent, and Treasurer participated in training provided by The Impact Group. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio Business Advisory Council's plan for the 2025-2026 school year aims to significantly enhance career readiness and expand work-based learning opportunities for K-12 students. Key focus areas include developing pre-apprenticeship and skill development programs, fostering comprehensive career exploration through various technological and experiential methods, and cultivating strategic partnerships with businesses and educational institutions. The plan strives to align student pathways with regional workforce demands and ensure graduates are well-prepared for both college and careers.