PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
SERVICE TO THE DISTRICT … Montpelier Board of Education member Patti Rockey (left) was presented with a plaque by Montpelier Exempted Village Schools Superintendent Travis Lichty (right) at the Tuesday, December 9th board of education meeting.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, December 9. Board members in attendance were Patti Rockey, Dunne Gambler, Nate Rose, Jennifer Schlosser, and Troy Roth.
Following the call to order at 5:30 p.m., a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance, the board heard a successful book fair presentation from elementary principal Lance Thorp.
Thorp reported the recent book fair, which was held in conjunction with Buddy Week, brought in $21,834.51 in book sales, which is $3,000.00 more than a year ago.
He mentioned that one-half of the total book sales will go towards the media center to replenish their books for students.
Also, fourth graders were administered the Gifted Test, which was previously offered in second grade, with only one student who successfully tested into the Gifted program.
He also reported that the elementary school will be undergoing a new math curriculum this year, something that hasn’t been done in six or seven years.
Thorp reminded that the end of the second quarter is Friday, December 19, with grade cards being sent home on January 9.
High School Principal Su Thorp reported there were 100 students in grades 7-12 attending the Toledo Walleye hockey game on Wednesday, December 3.
This was part of not missing any homework assignments and being one of the houses that was selected to go to the hockey game.
She also noted the high school quiz bowl team has qualified to compete at nationals in Chicago during the first weekend of April. Carolyn Hopper is an advisor to the quiz team.
Superintendent Travis Lichty reported on the replacement of the school dump truck in which the district will be trading in for a new truck purchased from Derrow-Shirkey Ford in Montpelier.
He also reported there were mechanical problems with a new school bus, which will be repaired during the holiday break.
Treasurer Eric Smeltzer reported the fiscal year update through November. The total revenues are almost 45 percent of what the district had budgeted, and expenditures were under 42 percent, which he said was a positive.
In other actions, the board addressed the following:
-Accepted the resignation of Bernard Davis as Trade Skills Specialist, effective December 31, 2025.
-Approved Greg Lee as Trade Skills Specialist beginning January 5, 2026, and ending the end of the 2025-26 school year.
-Approved Alexis Marihugh as winter cheerleading advisor (two-thirds contract) for the 2025-26 school year.
-Approved new and revised district policies.
-Set the 2026 Organizational meeting for Wednesday, January 7, at 4:45 p.m., with the regular meeting to follow.
-Appointed Nate Rose to serve as president pro tem for the Organizational meeting.
-Approved a resolution proclaiming January 2026 as School Board Recognition Month.
-Approved the following petty cash funds for Fiscal Year 2026: Athletic Fund ($4,000), District Office Fund ($75.00), Elementary Building Change Fund ($75.00), High School/Junior High Change Fund ($75.00), Athletic Office Fund ($1,500.00), Football Field Concession Stand Change Fund ($500,00) and Concession Stand Change Fund ($600.00).
-Approved overnight wrestling trips for the 2025-26 school year.
-Approved the Senior Class Trip to Chicago from March 23, 2026, to March 26, 2026.
-Appointed board member Dunne Gambler to the Four County Career Center Board of Education for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028.
-Appointed Markie Repp to a four-year term with the Montpelier Public Library commencing January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2029.
It was also the final board meeting for Patti Rockey, who decided not to seek re-election this year. Serving the district for the past four years, she was presented with a plaque for her service.
The board then adjourned at 6:00 p.m.