By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Millcreek-West Unity Local Board of Education held its meeting on August 11, 2025, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Superintendent Riley opened the meeting with an update on preparations for the upcoming school year, noting that everything is on track for a smooth start.
He also discussed the district’s involvement in the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools, a group working to expand educational opportunities for children in rural and Appalachian Ohio.
High School Principal Cummins and Elementary Principal Mansfield followed with reports from their buildings.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included the July 2025 financial statements and meeting minutes, an increase to the district’s federal expenditure procurement micro-purchase threshold to $50,000 for Fiscal Year 2026, renewal of membership with the West Unity Chamber of Commerce, and the disposal or sale of outdated College Credit Plus books. Revenue adjustments for K-12 subsidies, early childhood funding, IDEA-B, Title I, and Title IIA were also approved.
Personnel recommendations for the 2025–2026 school year were approved, including hiring new junior high football coaches and volunteers, a varsity baseball coach, a varsity softball coach, and a varsity track coach. The Local Professional Development Committee and other instructional support positions were also confirmed.
Transportation approvals for the year included establishing regular bus routes, partnering with North Central Schools for certain student transports, and authorizing the transportation manager and superintendent to adjust routes as needed. Substitute rosters for various positions were also approved.
The board gave the green light for Hilltop students to participate in indoor track and field, archery, and esports, approved the 2025–2026 curriculum, and authorized several overnight trips for FFA events and varsity volleyball. Graduate study reimbursements were awarded to two individuals.
Other approvals included a service agreement with Raptor Technologies, an agreement with the Village of West Unity Police Department for school resource officer services, participation in the School Facility Dog Program, and the purchase of an 83-passenger school bus equipped with safety systems for $135,168.
Sports ticket prices were updated, and Lindsay Moore was contracted to provide health counseling services to student athletes, pending a Pupil Activity Permit. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:22 p.m., with the next regular board meeting set for September 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.