By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education accepted the retirement resignation of longtime elementary teacher Don Leu at its board meeting on Monday, February 9.
Leu, who is currently a fourth grade math and science teacher at Hilltop Elementary School, submitted his retirement resignation effective May 31, 2026, after 31 years with the school district.
He has taught in the district for the past 26 years after being employed as a custodian for five years before entering the classroom.
Leu, who is also the Mayor of West Unity, thanked school board members and school administrators for their support during his years at Hilltop.
Superintendent Steven Riley reported on the Property Tax Reform House Bill 309. This bill will allow county taxing authorities to decrease district property tax receipts if collections are deemed extraneous.
The board approved a revised foundation deduction agreement in the amount of $419,344.79 with Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for increased special education services.
A resolution to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission was approved. It authorizes the necessary tax levies and then certifies them to the Williams County Auditor.
In other board action:
-Recognized Brett Neely, an eighth grader for winning the Williams County Spelling Bee.
-Approved the minutes, financial statements and investments from the January board meeting.
-Approved membership into the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) for 2026-27.
-Approved curriculum for 2026-27 school year.
-Accepted donations from North Star Bluescope Steel, LLC to the softball team ($1,000) and from Living Hope Church (hats and gloves).
-Approved employment of Carson Jennings and Emily Rodriguez as junior high track coaches and Corey Eisel as assistant track coach.
The next board meeting is on Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. in the library.