The Evergreen Local Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of both the evening’s agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.
The meeting began with a presentation from Senior Taylor Johnson, who was recently appointed Treasurer of the Ohio FFA Officer Team. Johnson expressed her gratitude to the district for its continued support.
The board also heard a presentation about plans for a new all-inclusive playground at the Evergreen Elementary. The proposed playground would serve students in preschool through second grade.
Next, the board approved the district’s April financial reports, which included a financial summary, disbursement summary, cash reconciliation, and cash summary.
A $100 anonymous donation to the Student Assistance Fund and a $334.36 contribution from the Fulton County Pork Producers to the FFA program were also accepted.
Additional approvals included appropriation modifications, fund transfers, and the updated Five-Year Forecast set to be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education by the end of the month.
Personnel actions included approving unpaid leave for Rosalie Koch and hiring John Herdman and Ronnie Woods as summer custodial workers. Chris Daugherty was approved to serve as a paid/volunteer event worker for the current school year.
The board also accepted the resignations of Barry Bock and Jessica Reighard. Joshua Williams was approved to serve as head girls basketball coach for the 2025-2026 season.
A significant item on the agenda was the approval of a salary increase for all district employees. Staff members will receive a 4% raise in 2025-2026, followed by 3.25% in 2026-2027 and 3% in 2027-2028. The board also updated the district’s employee compensation ranges accordingly.
The following items were then approved by the board. Overnight trips for the Evergreen High School volleyball team to attend a summer camp at Hillsdale College from July 10 to 12, and for the girls basketball team to attend team camp at Cedar Point from June 9 to 11.
Preschool tuition for the 2025–2026 year was set at $1,000. Families who pay in full up front will receive a discounted rate of $950, and a $50 late fee was also established.
The board approved continuing its partnership with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center to provide training, resources, and handbooks for staff participating in the district’s mentoring program.
A number of summer construction and equipment projects were also given the go-ahead. This includes a $179,901.51 contract with Henry W. Bergman Inc. to repave parts of the parking lots and install a concrete pad in the bus area.
Security improvements are also in the works, including a $57,300.00 project with Securetec to upgrade network wiring and add 911 system integration, and a $28,745.00 contract with Safe Harbor Security & Fire to improve access control at school buildings.
Approval was also given for the purchase of a new diesel bus with a wheelchair lift for $135,555.00 and a utility tractor for $35,362.00.
Heating systems at both the elementary and high school buildings will also be replaced, with a $137,886.00 contract awarded to Earl Mechanical Services.
The board renewed its agreement with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for special education services for the 2025–2026 school year.
The total agreement comes to just over $1.27 million, with most of that amount deducted directly from board’s state foundation payment, with any remaining balance being invoiced and paid directly to the NwOESC.
Board members also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Fulton County Health Department to allow district facilities to be used in the event of a public health emergency.
In other business, the board passed a resolution in support of the Fair School Funding Plan and voiced opposition to proposed legislation that would cap district carryover funds. Board members argued the cap could threaten financial stability and lead to cuts in student programs.
Lastly, a draft for the districts strategic plan was discussed. This draft included four main goal areas, such as academics, culture and engagement, student supports, and facilities. The final draft will be delivered to the board at the June meeting for approval.
The meeting was then adjourned. The next regular meeting will be held on June 23rd, at 6:00 p.m.