PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING … Millcreek-West Unity Local School District treasurer Traci Thompson (left) and Superintendent Steve Riley (right) go over the consent agenda at its board meeting on Monday, June 29.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Millcreek-West Unity Local Board of Education met in a regular session on Monday, June 29 at the high school library.
Board members in attendance were Dave Dempsey, Brian Wieland, Heather Jones, and Dawn Layman, with Elishah Siegel being absent.
The board approved coaching contracts for Mark Long (Varsity Boys Basketball), Sara Livensparger (Varsity Cheerleading) and Elliott Livensparger (Varsity Cross Country).
Other personnel approved were Amanda Doty (intervention specialist), Isaac VanArsdalen (multi-task aide and tutor), Chelsee Hand (bus driver/custodian), Jordan Rupp, Kendall Pursel, and Dan Baumgartner (kindergarten program staff).
Resignations were accepted from Brenna Fidler (guidance counselor), Madelyn Schaper (multi-task aide), and Susan Thiel (cafeteria).
Superintendent Steve Riley presented a bully report for the second semester. He said the instances of bullying that rose to the level that needed to be reported and taken care of by administrators.
He also presented the annual cafeteria report which the district is required to do. It provides information on what the district’s cafeteria does. It’s also an obligation to the USDA and the State of Ohio.
HS/JH Principal Report
High School/Junior High School principal Troy Cummins reported that the Class of 2026 received $686,000 in scholarships this year. He said it was really impressive for those seniors who will continue their education.
Cummins along with Jason Mansfield and Amy Welling met with Williams County Common Pleas Court Judge Karen Gallagher’s office at the end of the year.
They went over some of the attendance changes that are going to be taking place this year from the state and also at the county level from the juvenile courts on how they are going to manage the changes.
Cummins said that district parents will be notified via letter of the changes prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Elementary Principal Report
Elementary principal Jason Mansfield reported that the recently held kindergarten graduation was successful and well-attended before a capacity crowd.
He thanked Jordan Rupp, Kendall Pursel, and Dan Baumgartner for all the work they did in preparing for the graduation program.
Mansfield commented the field day was a success in which it took place the last week of school with the weather cooperating for it.
He told board members about the third-grade economics project that connected economics and supply and demand with consumers producing all the things into real-life experiences.
“What they did is they had students work through this process by selling popcorn and drinks,” Mansfield said.
“There was an order form, and it was sent out to all staff members, and they put it out on their door frame on what they were ordering.
“The kids came around and collected it, got their orders all together, and then went and delivered and received money. In the whole process, they were able to raise $63.00 which was donated to the Hilltop Food Pantry.”
In other business, the board approved the following:
-The minutes, financial statement and investments from the May 2026 board meeting.
-Participation in NOVA, digital curriculum through Northern Buckeye Education Council for a $1,100 support fee, plus $525 per license.
-Participation in all federal programs for the 2026-27 school year, including CCIP Grants, lunch and breakfast programs.
-A proposal with Hylant Administrative Services for the district’s 2027 fiscal year liability, violence, automobile, and property insurance ($53,703), pollution policy ($401) and cyber policy through CFC ($2,985).
-NWOCA membership fees for 2027 fiscal year ($31,990) and a technical services/cost agreement with NWOCA.
-An agreement with the Northwest Ohio Juvenile Detention Training & Rehabilitation Center for educational services from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, at a cost of $91 per student per day.
-An agreement with Wood County Juvenile Detention Center at $88 per day, and Juvenile Residential Center of Northwest Ohio at $96 per day for the 2026-27 school year.
-Approved 2026 fiscal year final appropriations and temporary appropriations for 2027 fiscal year.
-Authorized treasurer Traci Thompson to purchase an employee dishonesty and faithful performance policy in lieu of a bond. She was also approved to act as the board appointed public records training designee.
-An agreement with Joy D. Fruchey & Associates for student mental health services for the 2026-27 school year.
-An agreement with Grow Your Mind, LLC, for SLP/OT services at LEAP for the 2026-27 school year.
-Approved Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding dues for 2027 fiscal year at $236.50.
-Approved the disposal of outdated Spanish textbooks.
-The advancement of five sick days to Chelsee Hand.
-Approve registered nurse consultant services contract with Lindsay Moore for the 2026-27 athletic season.
-Approved graduate study reimbursements for Troy Cummins (nine semester hours), Kara McCann (nine semester hours) and Tanner Gerken (three semester hours).
-Approved FFA Chapter donations for the 2025-26 year.
-A memorandum of understanding with Defiance College for teacher education candidates.
-Approved supplemental contracts for the 2026-27 school year.
-An overnight stay for FFA Officer Training, June 12-15, at Evan’s Lake in Tipton, Michigan.
-Approved to pay summer tutors at the rate of $32 per hour.
-Agreements with NWOESC for fiscal services and Roots Analysis Services for fiscal year 2027.
-A service agreement with Stryker Local Schools to transport students for the 2026-27 school year.
-An increase of bus driver hours from 3 to 3.5 hours starting with the 2026-27 school year, for increased duties outside of drive time.
-An independent contract agreement with Douglas Kutzli to provide services for assigning OHSAA certified football officials for the 2026-27 home football games.
-Approved adoption of Cybersecurity Program and authorize implementation in accordance with Ohio House Bill 96.
-An agreement with the Kaizen Educational Group for an independent education evaluation for a Hilltop student.
The board then went into an executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of public employees or regulated individual, or investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee or regulated individual unless such person requests a public hearing. No action was taken.
Next meeting will be on Monday, July 20 at 7 a.m.