By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Edon Northwest Local School District Board of Education heard a positive financial report at its meeting held on Monday, September 15.
Board members present were Cody Best, Ashley Reed, David Wehrle, Patty Eicher, and Jamie Schaffter. District Treasurer Deb Nester reported that revenues are up compared to last year by $244,998, with expenses up about $86,700.
Nester mentioned that overall revenues are over expenditures, but the district also currently has 241 days of cash on hand.
The district had received $867,839 from the second half real estate tax collections, and the permanent improvement fund stood at $813,902. In addition, the district also received $17,440 in casino revenue in August.
Donations to the district in August totaled $22,809.60 coming from various groups, clubs, individuals, and businesses.
High School Principal Kayla Lapham thanked students and staff for a good start to the year. Various dates have been set for career opportunities for students, such as colleges that will be visiting the high school campus.
Lapham has been pleased with students who continued to meet the expectations regarding cell phones that are now banned during school hours.
Upcoming high school events include Homecoming Week (Sept. 22-26), National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society Induction (October 6), and Parent-Teacher Conferences for grades 7-12 (October 6).
Elementary Principal Jennifer Ripke reported that the beginning of the school year is off to a great start, with several new students starting on September 15.
Ripke added that tutoring has already begun in the first week of school, and a peer mediation program has started with staff and students who are being trained for this.
She also informed the board of a donation from the Edon Area Foundation of $5,000 to purchase a book vending machine for student use.
Superintendent Anthony Stevens reported there are 538 enrolled in the district as of August 31.
Stevens also discussed the earned income tax renewal on the November ballot. Informational brochures are being prepared, and two community meetings are being scheduled for October 15 and 22.
He told the board that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been sent to Montpelier Exempted Village Schools regarding Edon students who want to participate in Inter-District wrestling since Edon currently doesn’t have a wrestling program.
Pending approval from the Montpelier Exempted Village School Board, it will allow Edon students to participate in their wrestling program.
Once approved, communication will go out to students and families, and all other details will be worked out as the season begins in November.
Stevens thanked Montpelier athletic director Joe Brigle, Montpelier Schools superintendent Travis Lichty, and the Montpelier Board of Education for making this possible for Edon students.
The superintendent updated board members on the Leanne Field entryway/walkway at the football field entrance and is looking for feedback on the project.
Tuition rates for the 2025-26 school year were approved for in-state students ($7,499.94) and out-of-state students ($16.894.65).
In other action, the board approved the following:
-A two-year contract for Bobbie Jo Repp (Assistant to the treasurer).
-Amended the hours for bus routes for the 2025-26 school year.
-Annette Pinkham (Mentor Program Coordinator).
-Danielle Wolfe (Entry Year Program mentor).
-Vivian Hill (Entry Year Mentor Program teacher).
-Jason Pelz (Assistant Athletic Director).
-Jack Morris and Brien Moore (Van drivers).
-Increased substitute teachers’ pay to $125 per day, effective the 2025-26 school year.
-Kay Vollmer (Substitute cook and substitute food service cashier).
-NWOESC Substitute teachers and paraprofessional list.