AWARD WINNER … SRO Stephanie Mills awarded Elementary Aide Cindy Myers the Golden Eagle award, crediting her continued dedication to her community and students.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central Local School Board met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, to update personnel matters and prepare for the end of the school year as graduation approaches.
School Board President John Huffman, Tim Livengood, Kati Burt, Dustin Meyers and Mark Moreland were in attendance. Superintendent Michael Bute was also present.
Several kindergarten students led the April meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.
JH Student Council member Emmi Burt gave a presentation of the recent events held by the council, including donations to the local humane society.
TREASURER’S REPORT AND DONATIONS
The meeting began with Vice President Tim Livengood being appointed Treasurer Pro Tempore for the duration of the April meeting. As part of the Treasurer’s Report, several donations were accepted that supported school programs. They are as follows:
-$250 from the Academic Boosters Organization
-$250 from Attaboy Assembly for grades 6-12
-$316 from Fix and Fab to the Backpack Program
-$500 from both JH and HS Student Councils
SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE
Superintendent Bute’s update focused on student milestones and planning for the close of the school year. Graduation was confirmed for Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m.
GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD
School Resource Officer Stephanie Mills presented the annual Golden Eagle Award to Elementary Aide Cindy Myers. Mills credited her hard work and dedication to her school and stated that Myers often steps in to fill the gap wherever needed.
PRINCIPALS’ REPORTS
Elementary Principal Brent Saneholtz shared that on Friday, April 10, 2026, fifth and sixth grade students visited Northwest State Community College for their annual “Mini Manufacturing Day.”
“This annual event was hosted by Advanced Manufacturing and brings the world of manufacturing to fifth and sixth grade students in the four-county area,” he said.
“With the guidance of manufacturing company leaders, students completed four STEM hands-on activities that imitate the manufacturing processes found in many manufacturing companies.”
Saneholtz also noted that kindergarten screening is ongoing, with currently an estimated 20 students enrolled for the 2026-2027 school year.
JH/HS Principal Martha Hasselbusch gave her annual report on attendance and disciplinary referrals. She noted 27 referrals for the month of March.
GRADUATION AND OTHER ACTIONS
Six students were approved to graduate early upon completing state and district credits. A separate motion was passed for the approval of the full graduating senior class for May 24, 2026, as well.
The board also moved to adopt the CIS Critical Security Controls Version 8.1 for cybersecurity purposes, as required by Ohio House Bill 96.
Additional business included approval of a settlement agreement between the Board of Education and an individual, finalizing and releasing all claims and indemnification. No additional discussion was held regarding the settlement.
PERSONNEL
Lindsey Eckley’s resignation as Varsity and JH Cross Country coach was accepted. Eryn Shaw was approved as Varsity Cross Country coach. Renee Roesener, Marcia Geiser and Julie Taylor were hired as JH ticket takers.
Lastly, Nerissa Roney was approved as a custodial staff member for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.
STUDENT TRAVEL
Student travel requests were approved as the end of the year approaches. They are as follows:
-FFA Overnight Trip to State FFA Convention in Columbus, Ohio, April 30 to May 1, 2026
-SWAT and Yearbook Trip to Chicago, Illinois, May 27 to May 28, 2026
-Overnight Senior Trip to Indianapolis, Indiana, May 16 to May 18, 2026
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m. The next North Central Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6 p.m.
