PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
OHIO STATE MATH TESTS … The Montpelier Board of Education recognized five students who achieved perfect scores on the Ohio State Math Test last spring at its board meeting on Tuesday, August 11. From left: Aidan Hannaford, Max Tressler, Kyle Ebaugh, Talon Holbrook and Abigail Luke.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Board of Education recognized five students who achieved perfect scores in the Ohio State Math Test at its board meeting on Tuesday, August 11.
Abigail Luke and Aidan Hannaford achieved perfect scores on the sixth grade math test while Max Tressler, Talon Holbrook, and Kyle Ebaugh achieved perfect scores on the third grade math test last spring.
“Mr. (Lance) Thorp and I have the privilege of recognizing some kids who did outstanding, not just outstanding on their state test last spring, but perfect scores,” said Middle School Principal Mike Bumb.
Thorp, who is the elementary principal, told board members there were 566 total tests taken last spring from third to sixth grade and five of those tests that were perfect.
“Just to kind of give you some perspective in the school of what these five kids did, they’re the one percent and anytime you’re the one percent it’s a pretty cool thing,” Thorp said.
Jenny Hodapp, who is the gifted and talented teacher in the district, had taught all five students who achieved the perfect math scores. She was in attendance to congratulate them.
Each of the students received certificates and a hat for their accomplishments from the school.
The board approved the five-year financial forecast as presented and directed Treasurer Eric Smeltzer to send the forecast and assumptions to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
“This is our best guess for the next five years at this point in time,” commented Smeltzer. “We still call it the five-year forecast, but what I submit to the state website is only four years.”
At the end of four years according to district financial projections, the cash balance will be about $1.5 million, but Smeltzer pointed out the district’s enrollment continues to rise.
In 2023, the district enrollment was 764 students followed by 772 students in 2024 and 2025 and 795 students in 2026.
“As our numbers in enrollment continue to rise, not only does it help with our state foundation money that will continue to rise,” Smeltzer said. “We should continue to see a rise in our state funds.”
He also reported that the income tax settlement which came in July was $57,412 more than what the district received last year.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Travis Lichty reported the district had purchased a new AI-assisted curriculum resource for all teachers and professional development for teachers will be held on September 15.
Lichty mentioned the district implemented a program called Abnormal AI that is a cloud-native email security platform that uses behavioral artificial intelligence, API integrations, and identity modeling to stop targeted attacks such as phishing, malware, or ransomware.
A new messaging system for teachers and administrators has been installed. It replaces the old instant alert system, will sync with the new sign in front of the school, and the district’s social media accounts. Teachers will be able to use one of the features to contact parents (by group or individual).
With the start of school set for Wednesday, August 19, the bus routes have been revised and improved for the upcoming year, and all staff positions have been filled.
Important dates include no school on Labor Day (September 7), Fair Day (September 14), and teacher in-service day (September 15).
In personnel action, the board approved:
-Accepted the resignation of Lauren Velez (second grade teacher) at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
-Approved Amy Beck as second grade teacher for the 2026-27 school year.
-Accepted the resignation of Blayne Bible as skilled trades teacher at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
-Approved parental leave for Megan Hill from November 18, 2026, through March 21, 2027.
-Approved Anthony Coleman, E. Bess Cooley and Katy Corkle to Master’s plus-12 on the certificated salary schedule.
-Approved Michele Anderson and Jodi Grime to Master’s plus-24 on the certificated salary schedule.
-Approved Brock Thorp as entry year district mentor (3) for the 2026-27 school year.
-Approved the following Mentor supplemental contracts for Tammy Lee – Stephanie Robinson (Year 1), Brock Thorp – Wyatt Lang (Year 2), Laura Zumbaugh – Kaitlin Widner (Year 2), Elishah Siegel – Wendy Chamberlain (Year 1) and Lester Orndorff – Jacob Deisler (Year 1).
-Approved Kaitlin Widner as public relations coordinator.
-Approved athletic director Joseph Brigle as concession stand manager and to secure workers for junior high and high school athletic events for 2026-2027.
-Approved Stephanie Robinson, Amy Beck, Tom Zuver to attend Orton Gillingham training for the 2026-2027 school year.
-Approved the NWOESC substitute teacher list for 2026-2027 school year.
-Accepted the resignation of Hanna Geren as district substitute effective August 3, 2026.
-Approved Michael Blake as district substitute for the 2026-2027 school year, pending all requirements have been met.
-Approved the classified substitute list for the 2026-2027 school year.
The board went into an executive session to discuss matters required to be kept confidential by federal law or rules or state statutes. No action was taken.
Next board meeting will be on Tuesday, September 15 at 5 p.m.