TACKLING THE AGENDA … Edon BOE members looking over the consent agenda. From left to right Ashley Reed, Jamie Schaffter, Deborah Nester, Cody Best and Anthony Stevens.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Edon Northwest Local School District Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on December 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the John and Marilyn Toner Media Center.
The session addressed routine financial matters, personnel updates, and planning for the upcoming year.
All board members were present: President Cody Best, Vice President Jamie Schaffter, Patty Eicher, Ashley Reed, David Wehrle, and Treasurer Deborah Nester.
Also in attendance were Superintendent Anthony Stevens, K-6 Principal Jennifer Ripke, 7-12 Principal Kayla Lapham, several Edon staff members, and a few community members.
A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Wehrle and seconded by Schaffter. For the treasurer’s report, Nester commented that revenue was up, expenses were also up, and the audit was almost complete.
In reports to the board, High School Principal Lapham mentioned that Hilltop had hosted the All-County Band Concert and, despite the weather, it went well. She also explained that new rules and violations will be reset for the cell phone policy.
Elementary Principal Ripke shared that the band concerts also went well and that the school was getting a book vending machine.
Superintendent Stevens commented that current enrollment was 548. He also mentioned how well the SRO, Monica Goebel, was doing in her role with the students and staff, and that the school appreciates her hard work.
The board took a moment to recognize the retirement of board member Jamie Schaffter and thank her for her service since 2014.
Among the key items approved was the acceptance of the resignation of John Gallehue as Junior High Football Coach, effective at the end of the 2025-2026 contract year.
Gallehue, whose family has deep ties to Edon athletics (including former standout players like Drew and Briggs Gallehue), had served in the role amid the district’s ongoing commitment to extracurricular programs. The motion was approved by Reed and seconded by Eicher.
Other personnel actions included:
-Approving Kim Alyanakian as a long-term substitute for the 2025-2026 school year. Motion approved by Schaffter and seconded by Eicher.
-Authorizing a contract for choir accompanist services for Sue Kannel on an as-needed basis, at $15 per hour, not exceeding 15 hours per week. Motion approved by Reed and seconded by Eicher.
Approving supplemental contracts for various positions in the upcoming school year. Motion approved by Eicher and seconded by Schaffter.
The board also reviewed and approved November financial reports, donations, an amended certificate from the county auditor, and a list of potential early graduates pending course completion.
In administrative matters, the board renewed its 2026 membership with the Ohio School Boards Association (dues: $4,299) and a subscription to School Management News ($175). The motion was approved by Schaffter and seconded by Eicher.
The board also set the date for the organizational meeting on January 12, 2026, at 5 p.m., with the regular Board of Education meeting following at 5:30 p.m. Motion approved by Wehrle and seconded by Reed.
The Edon Board of Education meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. A motion was made by Schaffter and seconded by Reed.