(PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
SCHOOL UPDATES … Superintendent Anthony Stevens presents key information to the Edon Board of Education, including news on the refinished gym floor and future budget considerations.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Edon Board of Education convened on July 14 for its regular monthly meeting. President Cody Best called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m., beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CFO/Treasurer Deb Nester conducted roll call, confirming the attendance of all members: Vice President Jamie Schaffter, Patty Eicher, Ashley Reed, and David Wehrle. Superintendent Anthony Stevens was also present.
With no visitors outside of media, the agenda quickly moved on to consent items, presented by Stevens, including:
-Approval of meeting minutes from June 23.
-Approval of financial reports for June 2025.
-Approval of an amended certificate request from the county auditor, with some Department of Education allocations still pending release.
-Approval of the certificate of the total amount from all sources available for expenditures for fiscal year 2026 and the 412 certificate.
-Approval of donations totaling $1,332.75 as of June 30, including a contribution from the American Legion to the Music Department and Edon Parents Club to the Elementary Principals account. Stevens stated they were so thankful for those donations.
-Approval of the 2025 NWOESC Paraprofessional and Teacher substitute list, noting the transition from the ASOP system to Red Rover this year.
-Approval of the list of credentialed evaluators for the 2025-2026 school year.
-Approval of the annual contract agreement with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for the 2025-2026 mentor program.
-Approval of the Fiscal Agent for the Title III Language Instructor for English Learners-Grant Consortium for fiscal year 2026.
All board members had received electronic copies of the consent items and related documentation. Before the vote, board member Eicher sought clarification on funds listed under the Elementary Principal fund, to which Superintendent Stevens provided examples of their use, such as special programs, guest speakers, supplies, or celebrations. Eicher confirmed her question was answered.
Schaffter moved to approve all consent agenda items, seconded by Eicher, with all members unanimously approving.
CFO Nester provided a brief fiscal report, noting revenues were up over the last fiscal year by $725,000, though expenditures also increased by $591,000.
To date, revenue remains $642,000 higher than expenditures, and the district maintains a healthy 282 operational days in cash reserve.
Superintendent Stevens then delivered his report, beginning with critical updates on the state’s biennium budget. He noted that 67 line-item vetoes had been issued, prompting the House to reconvene to consider overriding some, particularly those affecting property taxes.
However, the 40% cap on allowable property tax collection carryovers, which directly impacts the district’s reserve amounts, is not expected to be overridden.
Stevens indicated that while there will be some movement on property tax issues, its exact form remains uncertain.
He cautioned the board that this budget cycle presents the most uncertainty he can recall, directly influencing the decision regarding the earned income tax on the November ballot.
On a lighter note, Stevens shared positive news about the recently refinished gym floor.
A new company performed the work, and a small “fish-eye” or separation-like defect initially appeared due to a chemical reaction from the previous finish. However, the issue was corrected, and Stevens expressed his complete satisfaction with the results.
He also briefly reported on upcoming district calendars, slated for approval, with the main change being the relocation of graduation to the week before Memorial Day weekend.
Stevens conveyed appreciation for the cafeteria personnel’s hard work, citing positive results from the Nutritional Standards Report.
Further positive updates included a flawless recent bus inspection. Stevens noted the district still awaits a new van, citing he misspoke when stating it would be taken from the permanent improvement fund, correcting to the general fund.
Meanwhile, the student wellness and success funding plan has shown successful progress, with a provided report illustrating how the funds are being used. Stevens is hoping to add a second day to school-based mental health therapy.
Stevens concluded his report with an updated technological acceptable use policy, driven by state-level changes.
A separate section is planned on the school website for easier access to this type of information and documentation.
President Best then guided the board through a series of individual action items, all of which received unanimous approval:
-Certification from the Department of Taxation for Income Tax Replacement at the November 4, 2025, election. (Moved by Schaffter, seconded by Reed)
-Resolution to proceed with the proposition of a Replacement Income Tax. (Moved by Eicher, seconded by Wehrle)
-Memorandum of Understanding with Edgerton Local School District for the pooling of Title I Non-Public school funds for 2025-2026. (Moved by Reed, seconded simultaneously by Shaffter and Eicher)
-Updates to the 2025-2026 district calendar. (Moved by Schaffter, seconded simultaneously by Reed and Eicher)
-Approval of the district calendar for 2026-2027. (Moved by Eicher, seconded by Wehrle)
-Transfer of Abby Mohre from a 5 and ½ hour classroom teacher aide and 1 and ½ hour food service aide role to a full-time 7-hour classroom teacher aide position. Stevens noted he would soon request a new 3-hour cafeteria position, clarifying it was not part of the motion. (Moved by Reed, seconded by Eicher)
-Approval of the list of 2025-2026 substitute bus/van drivers. (Moved by Schaffter, seconded by Reed)
-Student fees for the 2025-2026 school year. (Moved by Eicher, seconded by Reed)
-Fund transfer from post-prom to the Class of 2026. (Moved by Schaffter, seconded by Eicher)
-Sport passes and athletic ticket prices for the 2025-2026 school year. (Moved by Reed, seconded by Schaffter)
-Recommendation to approve Athletic Pass Resolution for 2025-2026, an annual action. (Moved by Schaffter, seconded by Eicher)
-Recommendation to approve supplemental contracts. (Moved by Eicher, seconded by Wehrle)
-Recommendation to approve a contract for photography services for 2025-2026 with Pictures by Marissa, operating out of Pettisville. (Moved by Shaffter, seconded by Eicher)
The meeting concluded by moving into executive session at 5:47 p.m. to discuss personnel, with Reed making the motion and Eicher seconding. No action was expected to follow the executive session.