(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
TAKE DOWN TOBACCO … Karen Pennington of the Fulton County Health Department stands with students Henry Pennington and Brooklynn Spradlin as they speak to the board about World Take Down Tobacco Day, and the bad effects tobacco has.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Evergreen Board of Education held their meeting on Monday, March 24th. The meeting began at 6:04 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, the approval of the evening’s agenda and the prior meeting minutes.
Board members were then introduced to Karen Pennington of the Fulton County Health Department, and students Henry Pennington and Brooklynn Spradlin.
The group had come to give a short presentation to the board in regard to World Take Down Tobacco Day. The students held up information signs that contained research they did as it pertains to the hard caused by tobacco products.
Following this presentation, board members heard a financial report that included a list of presented materials, such as a financial and cash summary, disbursement summary, and cash reconciliation report.
The board approved this report, as well as the following additional items. A $100.00 anonymous donation to the Student Assistance Fund, a list of fund-to-fund transfers, appropriation modifications, estimated resources, and approval for state and/or federal grants.
Personnel items were then approved next, along with a negotiated agreement with the Evergreen Education Association (EEA).
The deal that was negotiated consists of a three-year negotiated agreement between the EEA and the Evergreen Local Board of Education.
Next, students’ trips were approved by the board, starting with an overnight trip for some Evergreen FFA students to compete in the Ohio FFA State Wildlife Judging Contest (should they qualify).
The next overnight trip was for Evergreen FFA Officers and is for those members to attend the Officer’s Retreat at Put-In-Bay.
An international trip for some students and chaperones to Ireland was then approved. The trip is scheduled to take place in June.
An Energy Sales Agreement was then up next. The agreement, which was approved by the board, was between Evergreen Local Schools and Power4Schools endorsed electric supplier, ENGIE Resources LLC. It was stated during the meeting that the rate was actually going down, which is a positive.
Last up for approval were NEOLA Policy Updates, a 2026 Group Rate Program through Optimal Health Initiatives Charter Workers Compensation Group Rating Program, and a new English Language Arts Resource Adaptation.
This new ELA adaptation involves the purchase of a new 6-12 English Language Arts curriculum program from HMH Education Company. “The new program aligns better with Ohio’s Learning Standards and includes textbooks, workbooks, web-based software for six years, teacher materials, and initial and ongoing professional development for implementation at an approximate cost of $115,204.56.
Superintendent Smola then informed everyone that the next community conversation meeting date is set for April 2nd at 9:00 a.m. at the Country Charm, with the following meeting after set for April 4th at US 20 Diner.
The school is also in the process of looking to cover home game ticket costs for grades 7-12 next year. The Athletic Boosters have pledged $5,000, with a total offset cost needed of $15,000-$20,000.
Moving to administration reports, Middle School Principal Mr. Burkholder addressed the board first and spoke about the recent Quiz Bowl Students vs Teachers competition.
He also spoke about the “Amazing Shake” that was scheduled to be held in the school, and that 55-60 volunteers were coming in to interact with the students.
Schedules for next year are already being looked into and recent placings for two middle school wrestlers were also discussed.
Next to speak was Curriculum Director Dr. Swineford. She proceeded to speak about the new ELA program that was approved, and the process that was used to choose this specific one.
She also informed the board that the bill had originally come in at $125,000, but after negotiations the bill was lowered to the $115,204.56.
Lastly, Superintendent Smola stated that the strategic planning process is wrapping up and results will be shared when ready. With no further business to attend to, the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m.