BECKY EUSTACE … SRO Mills and Tim Livengood present the second annual Golden Eagle Award to Becky Eustace.
JULIE TAYLOR … SRO Mills and Tim Livengood present the second annual Golden Eagle Award to Julie Taylor.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central Board of Education convened for its regular meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the school auditorium.
The session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call, naming President Kati Burt, John Huffman, Tim Livengood, and Dustin Meyers present. Superintendent Michael Bute and Carla Rice were present.
Tim Livengood was appointed Treasurer Pro Tempore in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code.
Ashley Epling, Executive Director of the Williams County Economic Development (WEDCO), presented news about a potential investment coming to Pioneer. A business company with an investment of $14.3 million, creating 43 full-time jobs, may be receiving a tax exemption.
The school would receive $95,000 yearly in taxes during a 15-year time period. Afterwards, they would receive the total expected tax revenue.
This opportunity is not solidified, nor is the tax abatement. If it follows through, the board will need to make an approval by the December or January Board meeting.
The treasurer’s report, given by Carla Rice, included the approval of minutes from the September 16, 2025, meeting and the acceptance of September’s financial statements.
The board also approved a donation of $348.75 from Nickloy’s Fix and Fab. In addition, members Bute, Huffman, Meyers, and Livengood announced plans to attend the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show in Columbus from November 16-18, 2025.
A prior transfer item from the September report – moving $1,143.23 from the general fund to Title I – was rescinded as a clerical error.
Superintendent Bute brought several FFA members forward to speak about their program. They stated they currently had 50 active members, with some groups moving forward to compete at a state level.
Julie Taylor and Beckie Eustace updated the board on several fundraisers and activities they have planned with students to raise school spirit. A “Reading Under the Lights” event held in conjunction with the Pioneer Library is in the works.
School Resource Officer (SRO) Stephanie Mills presented the 2nd Golden Eagle award, in partnership with the Pioneer Police Department. This award is given to a North Central staff member who exemplifies the spirit, dedication, and heart of the school’s community.
“Two extraordinary individuals,” Mills began, “that, besides their normal duties, they work side-by-side every single day to quietly make a difference in the lives of students from kindergarten to high school.
“These two go far behind what their daily job descriptions require, in the cafeteria – a space that can be the busiest and most challenging part of the day – where they bring calm, kindness, and care. They don’t just monitor the students but connect with them.
“These two never hesitate to step up when the school needs extra help, like giving a random speech about topics, whether it’s taking on another role or volunteering with an event. They do it without hesitation or complaint.”
Becky Eustace and Julie Taylor were awarded the second annual Golden Eagle Award for October.
The superintendent discussion covered several key topics, including expressions of appreciation, culture, and playbook development. Other agenda items included a WEDCO Enterprise Zone Agreement, a review of the district’s cell phone policy, and current enrollment figures.
It was noted that the school’s new cell phone policy will be put into place in January 2026 during the second semester. Bute explained that this is only “complying with the state law,” that passed in April 2024.
The board announced that the next work session and regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
A number of motions were presented for board approval. Among them was the second reading of NEOLA policy revisions.
To address staffing challenges in the cafeteria, the board authorized an additional $15 daily stipend for cafe employees who work extra in the absence of a substitute.
A resolution was passed establishing operating standards for the education of children with disabilities and endorsing joining the Great Lakes Conference for football in 2026.
Personnel actions included the employment of Clayton Douglass as a volunteer faculty manager and Ryan Burt as a junior high girls’ basketball volunteer. The board also accepted the rescinding of contracts of Matt Randolph (JH Assistant Football) and Samantha Doty (Intervention Specialist).
The board held an executive session to discuss compensation at 6:59 p.m. No action was taken, and they adjourned directly afterwards.