PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
ADDRESSING THE BOARD … Evergreen FFA members Lyla Radel (left) and Molly Elvey (right) address the Evergreen Board of Education regarding their recent experience at the Ohio FFA Convention.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
Evergreen Local Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6 p.m.
The board first approved minutes from the April 20 regular meeting before hearing from Evergreen FFA members Molly Elvey and Lyla Radel. The students spoke about their recent visit to the Ohio FFA Convention, where the Evergreen FFA chapter and individual members were recognized for several achievements.
Eight members also received their FFA State Degrees, and the students thanked the district for its continued support of the program.
Board members then entered executive session to consider the employment of public employees. The board later returned to open session, with no action taken following the executive session.
The board approved the April financial reports, including the cash reconciliation, financial summary, cash summary, and disbursement summary.
Members also accepted several donations to the Student Assistance Fund, including a $100 anonymous donation, $1,000 from Kristi and Ethan Salsbury, and $1,150 from Brent Nofzinger.
Several personnel items were approved for the 2026-2027 school year. The board offered one-year, two-year, and three-year limited teaching contracts, along with non-teaching contracts, non-teaching continuing contracts, supplemental contracts, district supplemental contracts, additional and extended days, substitute lists, and reasonable assurance of employment lists for substitute teachers and classified substitutes.
The board accepted the resignation of Theresa Torio, school psychologist, effective July 31, 2026. Members also approved Kyle Keller as head wrestling coach for 2026-2027, pending completion of pupil activity permit requirements, and offered Katrina Spect a two-year limited teaching contract.
Kristy Schmidlin was offered the District Mentor Coordinator supplemental contract, pending completion of applicable certification or licensure requirements.
John Johnson III and Ella Smola were approved as summer custodial workers as needed from June 1 through August 31. The board also set preschool tuition at $1,000 for the 2026-2027 school year, with a discounted cost of $950 for families using a one-time payment. A late payment fee of $50 was also approved.
The board approved two overnight trips. The EHS volleyball team was approved to attend volleyball camp at Hillsdale College from June 16 through June 18, with Coach Kelsey Wulf serving as trip supervisor.
The EHS cross country Team was also approved to attend camp at Summerset Beach and Campground from August 7 through August 9, with Coach Justin Leu serving as trip supervisor.
The board approved an agreement with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center to cooperatively participate in special education services for fiscal year 2026-2027 at a cost of $1,047,911.50.
Of that amount, $978,804.63 is to be paid through a deduction from the district’s state foundation payment, with any remaining balance to be invoiced and paid directly to the service center.
An educational agreement was also accepted with the Northwest Ohio Juvenile Detention, Training, and Rehabilitation Center for educational services for students during periods of detention.
The agreement is effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, at a cost of $91 per weekday of instruction.
Board members approved a resolution declaring it necessary to renew the district’s 0.25 percent traditional income tax.
The current tax expires on December 31, 2027, and the resolution requests certification of alternative tax rates from the State Tax Commissioner for the November 3, 2026, election.
The resolution states that the board has determined it is necessary to raise $545,000 annually for school district purposes beginning January 1, 2028.
The treasurer was authorized and directed to deliver a certified copy of the resolution to the State Tax Commissioner.
During the discussion, the board noted that the 0.25 percent income tax renewal levy failed on May 5, 2026. It will be placed on the November 2026 ballot, and a levy committee will be established.
The board also noted a transfer involving Christine Williams, who will move from a two-hour cook position to EHS and EMS head cook for the 2026-2027 school year.
Administrative and supervisory reports were also shared, including principal reports, a report from Student Services Director Kristy Schmidlin, and a superintendent report from Mr. Smola.
The superintendent’s report included information about a new student attendance policy for 2026-2027 required by the state of Ohio.
Congratulations were also extended to the Evergreen FFA chapter and its members for the recognitions and awards received at the Ohio FFA Convention.
During board member questions and concerns, Rusty Carr suggested closing off the utility drive during elementary recess hours to prevent vehicles from using the drive.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Loren Pennington Learning Center.