PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DISTRICT FINANCES … Montpelier Exempted Village School District Treasurer Eric Smeltzer presented the financial report at the board meeting on Tuesday, June 23.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Montpelier Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, June 23. Board members present were Troy Roth, Dunne Gambler, Jennifer Schlosser, Michael Woertkoetter, and Nate Rose.
Rose, who is also the board president, filled in for Superintendent Travis Lichty, who was absent, called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes from the May 13 meeting were approved.
The board approved the following head coaching contracts for the 2026-27 school year including Alexis O’Connor (high school cheerleading, fall 1/3 contract, winter 2/3 contract), David Apple (cross country), Brandon Shoup (boys golf), Andrew Robinson (football, softball), Matthew Dye (girls golf), E. Bess Cooley (volleyball), Nick Ramos (boys basketball), Mike Bumb (girls basketball), Jordan Birdsall (wrestling), Toby Hutchison (baseball) and Jason Johnston (track and field).
Assistant coaches were approved for the 2026-27 school year including Wyatt Long, Steven Brancheau, Anthony Coleman, Bryce Cooley, Jacob Deisler, and Kiel Miller (high school football). Kaitlin Brancheau (junior high assistant cheerleading). Tyler Michael, Darrin Repp, Jose Salazar, and David Sharps (junior high football). Jason Johnston (junior high golf). Khrysta Coleman, and Jess Youse (high school volleyball). Danielle Fidler (eighth grade girls’ volleyball) and Jade Scott (seventh grade volleyball).
Volunteer coaches approved were Clara O’Connor (high school and junior high cheerleading), Brayden Brink (junior high football), Eric Smeltzer (boys golf), Lance Thorp (girls’ golf), and Rosalyn Reid (high school volleyball).
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
In a report provided to the board, the night lock safety devices are being installed in classrooms this summer. It will add an additional layer of security to the building.
He noted the playground area has been refreshed with rubber pellet mulch, and the gym floors have been refinished.
Beginning with the next school year, all teachers in the district will have access to an AI assisted instructional resource called Teachally.
Numerous staff members have previewed the product, and the feedback has been very positive. The district is excited to provide this affordable and effective resource for the staff.
CELL PHONE/UNIFORM STIPENDS
The board approved by a 4-1 vote with Schlosser abstaining a cell phone/uniform stipend for the 2026-27 school year.
*A $35 per month cell phone stipend for the superintendent, treasurer, assistant treasurer, athletic director, maintenance director, custodian I (as assigned), transportation supervisor and bus mechanic.
*A $20 per month cell phone stipend for the high school, middle school and elementary school principals, technology director, technology assistant, school social worker and assistant social worker.
*A $400 per year uniform stipend for the maintenance director, bus mechanic, school nurse, transportation supervisor, custodian I and custodian II.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business, the board approved the following:
-Accepted donations of $500 (football) from the Montpelier Athletic Boosters, $500 (softball) and $400 (Track and Field) from an anonymous donor.
-Temporary appropriations totaling $18,009,168.81 for the fiscal year.
-The retire/rehire contract for Diane Wills, cafeteria supervisor effective August 1, 2026, through May 27, 2027.
-Rowen Beck as a district substitute for the 2026-27 school year.
-Added Judy Hendricks to the substitute aide and cafeteria lists for the 2026-27 school year.
-Tyce Fleurkens as light and sound technician at $25 for the first hour, then $10 per hour after the first hour effective June 1, 2026, with time sheet to be submitted.
-The property, liability, and vehicle insurance at a cost of $84,097, pollution insurance at a cost of $401, and cyber insurance at a cost of $3,009, for the period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with Ohio School Plan.
-Awarded the milk bid to Kuster’s Dairy Foods of Camden, Michigan for the 2026-27 school year.
-Approved the school lunch prices for the 2026-27 school year: Grades K-8 ($3.75), Grades 9-12 ($4.00), Adult ($5.00) and extra milk at 50 cents. Student breakfast at $2.25 and adult breakfast at $2.75.
-Petty cash funds for 2026 fiscal year: athletic fund ($4,000), district office fund ($75.00), elementary building change fund ($75.00), high school/junior high building change fund ($75.00), athletic office fund ($1,500), football field concession stand change fund ($500.00) and concession stand change fund ($600.00).
-Approved the district attendance policy along with athletic ticket prices, athletic worker rates and sports passes for the 2026-27 year.
-Approved the athletic training student affiliation agreement with Parkview Health for the 2026-27 school year. The meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m.
