By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Fayette Local Board of Education held its meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Fayette Local School. The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. with the board first moving to hear reports and updates.
During the superintendent’s report, it was shared that during a recent two-hour delay, staff reviewed the district’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, which includes both academic and behavioral components.
It was also announced that junior high and high school teachers will begin implementing Eagle Zone following Christmas break. The program is based on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and is designed to address student behavior.
Next, the treasurer reported that the district will be starting its fiscal year 2025 audit with the Auditor of State. Work is also underway on a mandated cybersecurity policy, which will be incorporated into the district’s NEOLA policies.
The principal’s report highlighted several recent school activities and accomplishments. Elementary parent-teacher conferences saw a 93% attendance rate this year. The kindergarten through fourth-grade Christmas program was held on December 9 and was well attended.
Students also participated in World Kindness Day on November 13, completing acts of kindness as part of the observance.
As part of a challenge, students worked to fill the principal’s office with food for the local food bank, with the incentive of earning a glow dodgeball tournament. The goal was met, and the tournament will be held.
The board then moved into financial matters, approving the financial report for November 2025. Several donations were also accepted, including $300 from the Bull Thistle Arts Festival for student lunches, $981.50 from the Fayette FFA Alumni for FFA activities, $800 from the Fulton County Pork Producers for National Honor Society activities, $25 from Jerry Vanzile and $100 from James Fruchey for the pancake sausage supper, and $222.23 from the Nazarene Church for student lunches.
Agreements and policies were addressed next, with the board approving the appointment of Merissa Kessler as president pro tempore for the January 2026 organizational meeting.
The organizational meeting was officially set for January 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gorham Room at Fayette School, with the regular meeting to follow.
Approval was also given for the district’s annual membership with the Ohio School Boards Association for January through December 2026 at a cost of $5,937, with the fee based on fiscal year 2024 district admission figures.
In addition, the board approved a revised resolution for State Teachers Retirement System contributions for the superintendent, effective December 15, 2025.
Several appointments were also approved. Lisa Stambaugh was appointed to serve on the board of the Normal Memorial Library for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2029.
Beth Schaffner and Kalley Schaefer were each approved to serve as trustees on the Fayette Area Foundation for three-year terms ending in December 2028.
Staffing items were then considered, with the board approving the monthly substitute list for teachers and paraprofessionals from the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for fiscal year 2026. Doris Cuff was approved as a substitute custodian for fiscal year 2026.
The Family Medical Leave Act leave was approved for Laura Galvan, effective November 9, 2025, through February 20, 2026.
Drew Schang was approved as a volunteer coach for junior high girls’ basketball for fiscal year 2026. Approval was also given for Mat Johnson to serve as a volunteer Mini Eagles coach for fiscal year 2026.
Before adjourning, the board recognized Jennifer Wagner for her four years of service as a board member. With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.