PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
LEVY NEED … School Board President John Huffman announces that North Central approved a Resolution of Necessity for an annual district earned income tax levy.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
brenna@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central Board of Education met on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, to pass a resolution of necessity for an earned income tax.
President John Huffman, Tim Livengood, Kati Burt, and Mark Moreland were in attendance. Superintendent Michael Bute was present as well.
Among the meeting’s most significant items was the board’s approval of a resolution declaring the necessity of raising $988,364 annually through a school district earned income tax.
A five-year levy was introduced, but failed after no motion was made by the members. Instead, the board moved for a continuing, annual levy to be placed on the ballot.
“I don’t think (this problem) it’s going anywhere. We’ve done the best of our abilities with what we have, so, I think it’s time,” Huffman stated about the levy.
“It’s time to look forward to the future,” agreed Moreland.
The levy has been under discussion since February, when Treasurer Ryan Pendleton warned the district’s five-year financial forecast showed North Central beginning deficit spending in 2027.
The school could potentially face more than a $1.5 million deficit by 2030 without additional revenue.
The board initially approved a five-year, 1% earned income tax levy earlier in the year, but withdrew it from the May 2026 ballot after discovering the submitted ballot language mistakenly described it as a “continuing tax with no end date.” To ensure transparency, the board restarted the process.
After their June meeting, the board once again considered a five-year levy, but instead voted to pursue a continuing earned income tax levy. If elected by voters, the levy will be for “a continuing period of time.”
The board also approved temporary appropriations totaling $9,418,916.55 for fiscal year 2027, which allows district operations to continue until a more permanent budget is adopted later in the year.
Burt opened the meeting to share a message of appreciation for the North Central administrative staff. She stated, “This is a thank you to our administration – all of our administration. Tonight specifically to Mr. Bute, Mrs. Hasselbusch, and Mr. Saneholtz.
“Thank you in believing in our potential as a school community and district. Leadership is tough, and as a parent boldly pointed out last meeting, unlike the students, parents, and families; you’re not originally from here.
“I believe that it was meant to be a negative, but to me personally, that speaks volumes about your heart, your character, and work ethic.
“…You aren’t perfect, no one is, but you are amazing, you are important, you make a difference, and despite what nay-sayers want to believe, you are appreciated. It’s easy to overlook the impact we have on others, but the truth is, your forward-thinking and creative dedication is inspiring.”
Two donations from Nickloy’s Fix & Fab were accepted for the backpack program. The two donations totaled $508.80.
Continuing in the Treasurer’s Report, a resolution approved Superintendent Bute to continue his employment after his retirement. This is a necessary step required under Ohio law, and is referred to as a “retire-and-rehire.”
Bute then brought Technology Director Travis Creek to announce a grant he had secured for the school. Creek had applied for an “All for Lunch, Inc.” grant program that would help pay off student lunch debt. North Central was awarded $10,000 toward this student debt.
Bute also announced several employee transfers. Amanda Fellers will move to an all-day pre-kindergarten program, McKayla Ayers will serve as an enrichment/intervention instructor and Tanya Wiles will transfer to first-grade general education.
Technology improvements were also addressed as the board considered purchasing a new phone system and related hardware for the district through Northern Buckeye Education Council.
Several employments were approved for the upcoming school year. Cindy Myers, Doug Sentle, and Steve Fiser were approved as substitute custodians. Steve Fiser, Danny Oyer, Alicia Frame, and Rich Lashaway were hired as substitute bus drivers.
Additional employments were as follows:
-Chace Boothman, HS Faculty Manager
-Cassie Cooper, Junior Class Advisor
-Amanda Doty, Entry Year Mentor
Retirements and resignations were also announced. Yvonne Montague and Deann Pitts, both school bus drivers with 27 years of experience, were approved for retirement.
Don Slamka (JH/HS Science Teacher), Tristen Brown (JH/HS Math Teacher), and Dave Thompson (Bus Driver) all submitted their letters of resignation, effective July 31, 2026.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m. The next North Central School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6 p.m.
