TEACHER OF THE YEAR … Carissa Beck, Fayette Schools Kindergarten teacher, was awarded the Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award from CORAS, commending her positive impact on the youngest learners in the community.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Fayette Local Board of Education met Monday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m. for its regular meeting to recognize a CORAS-awarded teacher, announce participants in the Fulton County Honors Band Festival, and approve several substitute and assistant roles.
Board members present were President Merissa Kessler, Jason Kessler, Katie Link, Mat Johnson, and Tiffany Johnston, along with Superintendent Angie Belcher and Treasurer Kelly Bentley.
During public participation, Kindergarten Teacher Carissa Beck was recognized after receiving the 2026 Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award from the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS). She was nominated by Elementary Principal Jane Myers, who noted Beck’s strong classroom engagement and dedication to students.
Superintendent Belcher reported the district had completed its Consolidated ESSER self-review as required by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The district is also completing its One Needs Assessment Survey as part of a three-year rotation.
Preparations are underway for the upcoming school year, including student registration updates, curriculum planning, classroom assignments, and scheduling.
Treasurer Bentley reported state auditors are approximately halfway through fieldwork and remain on track to complete their review by the end of the month. The district received $21,320.28 in casino revenue for 2025, bringing the total received since 2013 to $255,111.74.
High School Principal Jon Molter shared upcoming events including the March 9, 2026 National Honor Society induction and a March 27, 2026 blood drive. The music department is preparing for a March 3, 2026 concert.
Several Fayette students were selected to participate in the Fulton County Honors Band Festival, which took place on February 15, 2026. Fayette students Adalee Cook, Wyatt Krueger, Michael Becker, Zach Reed, and Gabe Dowland attended.
Elementary Principal Myers reported mid-year benchmark testing showed strong student growth despite challenges from snow days. Staff continued working through ongoing data meetings, teacher observations, and the Eagle Zone after-school program.
The Board then moved on to approve the January 2026 financial report and updated financial forecast for fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
Donations accepted included $1,000 from the Fulton County Dairy Association and $62.72 from FFA Alumni for FFA activities. An additional anonymous donation of $82 was accepted for Class of 2026 activities.
Several staffing items were approved: Ruby Leininger, Substitute Teacher for Learning Friends; Heather Rodriguez, Substitute Secretary and Cafeteria Worker; Joel Smith, Varsity Boys Basketball Coach; Tanner Wagner, Volunteer Assistant Boys Basketball Coach; Drew Schang, Volunteer JH Girls Basketball Coach; Kate Borer, Assistant Track/JH Track Coach; Kyle Link, Assistant Track/JH Track Coach; and Josh Beaverson, Volunteer Track Coach.
Several resignations were also approved: Kyle Lindsay, FVA Coordinator, ISS Teacher, and Varsity Boys Basketball Coach; Michael Brubaker, Assistant Track/JH Track Coach; and Tim Morr, Intervention Specialist.
The Board approved membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for school years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The Board also officially joined the OHI Charter Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program for the 2026 year.
A one-year contract was entered with Grow Your Mind, LLC to provide services for a speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist beginning August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027.
An additional three-year agreement was approved with Fayette Normal Memorial Library for onsite services and programs at their facility beginning June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029.
With no further business, the Fayette School Board adjourned at 7:12 p.m. The next meeting will be held March 16, 2026.
Update: At the March 9, 2026 meeting, the board approved tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year and accepted its first PILOT payment from the Arche Solar Field. Read the full March meeting coverage here.