PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
VOCAL PERFORMANCE … Ninth-grade student Rebekka Netcher performed a rendition of “Mother, Oh Sing Me to Sleep,” the solo that earned her a Vocal Rating of II at the OMEA Solo and Ensemble Contest.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central School Board met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to approve a contract with Tyler Iwinski, announce a scheduled calamity day, and hear an ensemble solo from a ninth-grade student.
In attendance: President John Huffman, Tim Livengood, Kati Burt, Dustin Meyers, and Mark Moreland.
The session began with a motion to appoint Tim Livengood as Treasurer Pro Tempore for the duration of the March meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by several third-grade students.
A donation from high school student Lincoln Vasko was accepted. Vasko, an Eagle Scout, crafted three handmade benches valued at $200 for the school.
The Music Department was introduced for a presentation to the Board. Ninth-grade student Rebekka Netcher performed a vocal solo titled “Mother, Oh Sing Me to Rest.”
Netcher’s performance won her a Vocal Solo rating of II at the most recent Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble contest.
Superintendent Michael Bute reported that a calamity make-up day has been scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026. This marks one of three make-up days to be scheduled.
Elementary Principal Brent Saneholtz provided upcoming event dates for students. The Maple Syrup Education Day was rescheduled for March 31, 2026, at the Williams County Fairgrounds.
April 21 and 22, 2026, were scheduled for kindergarten screening. “We are excited to meet potential new kindergarten students and their families,” said Saneholtz.
In partnership with the North Central Parent Teacher Organization, the successful “Donuts with Grownups” event will be held once again at the end of the school year.
“While this is a kindergarten and first-grade event only,” Saneholtz explained, “we look forward to having kindergarten families on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and first-graders on Thursday, May 7, 2026.”
Junior High and High School Principal Martha Hasselbusch shared statistics for the month of February.
There were zero bullying reports and 25 referrals during the previous month. She also noted a 92% attendance rate for both students and staff.
Athletic Director Kyra Gates reported a successful end to the winter sports season. Alongside SRO Stephanie Mills, she will be hosting a safety workshop on August 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. Additionally, a nutrition and mental health-focused workshop will be held August 2, 2026.
Kaylee Hindes was approved for early graduation, contingent upon the successful completion of all credit requirements.
Several Neola Policy revisions were approved. The consent agenda included a service agreement with NwOESC for the 2026-2027 school year.
A Washington, D.C. overnight school trip was approved for March 5-8, 2027, following Social Studies Teacher John Shell’s presentation in the February meeting. The board also retroactively approved a baseball overnight trip to Defiance, Ohio, on March 20, 2026.
A new high school music instructor was approved. Zoe Voelker was employed for the Secondary Music Instructor position for the 2026-2027 school year.
Extra duty positions were approved as follows: Eryn Shaw as the Junior High Track/Field Coach, Joe Fidler as Volunteer Baseball Coach, Bud Wells as Volunteer Baseball Coach, and Josh Fiser as Volunteer Baseball Coach.
Tyler Iwinski was approved for the Head Varsity Football Coach position. An improvement plan will be implemented with the help of Gates.
An executive session was entered at 6:38 p.m. for negotiations. No action was taken afterward. The next North Central School Board meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.