By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education reorganized for the 2026 year with three board members being sworn in, along with other organizational activities at its meeting on Monday, January 12 in the school library.
Elected as president pro-tem for the organizational meeting was Heather Jones, which was followed by the oath of office administered to board members, Brian Wieland, David Dempsey and Elishah Siegel.
Jones was later elected as president of the school board for 2026, with Wieland elected as vice-president.
The board approved an established board service fund of $3,000.00 and board member compensation at $100 per meeting for 16 meetings.
Board meeting dates, times, and locations were also approved. Board member committee assignments were established.
Legislative Liaison: Dawn Layman.
Superintendent Pro-Tem for 2026: Elementary principal Jason Mansfield and high school principal Troy Cummins.
Facilities and Technology: Brian Wieland, David Dempsey.
Audit Committee: Heather Jones, Elishah Siegel, Superintendent Steve Riley, Treasurer Traci Thompson.
Public Records Commission: Heather Jones, Steve Riley, Traci Thompson.
In his superintendent’s report, Riley presented the first semester bullying report for the district. He also presented the minutes from the NWOESC Business Advisory Council’s September quarterly meeting and the 2025-26 special education profile containing data from 2024-25 for the district.
In other action, the board approved the following:
-Approved the minutes, financial statements, and investments from the December 2025 board meeting.
-Accepted the donation of $200 from West Franklin Community Church for the food pantry.
-Accepted the retirement of Janice Bruner effective June 1, 2026.
-Adjusted revenue increases and appropriation modifications for athletics ($5,000.00), Title I ($461.93), and Title II-A ($336.00).
-Approved an overnight stay for the softball teams to play in scrimmage and regular season games in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 19-22.
-Approved the records retention schedule for 2026 as modeled by the Ohio History Connection, as indicated in board administrative guideline 8310A.
-Approved membership and payment of dues for 2026 to the Ohio Coalition of Equity and Adequacy. Ohio School Boards Association and West Unity Chamber of Commerce.
-Approved the 2026-27 school calendar.
-Approved the American Fidelity Section 125 Plan Document.
-Approved an agreement with NWOCA for an on-site technician from January 13, 2026, to March 15, 2026.
The board went into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee, and for preparation for conducting or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees. No action was taken.
The next board meeting is Monday, February 9, at 6 p.m. in the library.