YEARS OF SERVICE HONORED … Dave Chester was honored for his seven years of service on the Millcreek-West Unity School Board.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Millcreek-West Unity Local School Board of Education held its regular meeting on December 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.
The meeting consisted of routine updates, approvals, and a farewell to member Dave Chester after his seven years of service.
The meeting opened with a roll call and attendance, with President Heather Jones, Dave Chester, Brian Wieland, and Dawn Layman present.
During Superintendent Steven Riley’s report, he updated the Board on the 2026-2027 proposed school calendar. Additional discussions were held regarding the tentative board meeting dates for 2026.
Riley also announced that the district’s 2025 special education rating had been received. “Special Ed. ratings (were received) from the past school year, we met expectations – which is the highest level one can have.
“I’m very pleased with that, and we met all of our requirements for each individual area as well,” he said.
Elementary Principal Jason Mansfield provided an update regarding the recently held Veterans’ Day program. Held on November 11, 2025, his notes read, “All students attended this event to honor those who have served our country, especially those in our community.
“There were wonderful speakers and music performed by Elementary music students as well as the High School band.”
Mansfield stated that their new tradition, held for the second year, provided hand-colored pictures from the kindergarten and first-grade students to the veterans.
This new annual tradition was met with warm regard from the veterans. “I think it is a tradition we will keep,” he affirmed.
The HS/JH Principal, Troy Cummins, announced ten new inductees to the National Honor Society West Unity chapter.
He also reported a successful All-County Band and Choir program, which had almost 200 students participating from districts all over the county.
Several upcoming dates were listed by the principals as follows:
-December 12, 2025 – Elementary Winter Concert
-December 17 – 19, 2025 – Semester Exams
-December 22 – January 4, 2026 – Winter Break
Under the consent agenda, the board approved the November 2025 meeting minutes, along with the district’s financial statements and investments.
The Board also approved the district’s annual membership with the Ohio School Boards Association in the amount of $5,284.
Issac VanArsdalen was approved for employment for the Intervention Assistant Team.
A list of classified and certified substitute lists for the 2025-2026 school year was passed, as maintained by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center.
This was noted as a “routine item,” something they annually pass at the end of each semester.
An addendum to the agenda included approval of an IT switch upgrade. The board approved the purchase of Ubiquiti UniFi switches and related technology infrastructure through Xerox IT Solutions in the amount of $42,525.32. A five-year service agreement was included.
Member Dave Chester took a moment to thank the board. “I just want to thank everybody,” he began, “there have been fun times, great times, and I was honored to be able to serve on the board. (Everyone) has been very open and communicative, so I just want to say thank you, and it’s been a pleasure.”
Chester, with a notable length of public service under his belt, has served on the Millcreek-West Unity School Board for a total of seven years.
An organizational meeting for the board was scheduled for January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., with the regular board meeting to follow.
Heather Jones was appointed to serve as President Pro Tempore until a President is officially elected at the organizational meeting.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:16 p.m.