(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
FUNDRAISING UPDATE … Several National Honor Society members attended the board meeting to share their recent fundraising successes.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central School Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on April 15. In attendance were all board members except Chuck Haynes.
Joining the members were Superintendent Michael Bute and Treasurer Eric Smeltzer. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance given by elementary students.
A few members of the National Honor Society visited the board to present updates on the status of the society and donations. They proudly announced that they have inducted 16 new members.
Several fundraising activities supported by the students were a success as well. This included three Red Cross Blood Drives, with a total of 50 units of blood donated.
The treasurer’s report, given by Smeltzer, presented business as usual, with no significant changes since last month’s meeting. Smeltzer notes that the finances for this fiscal year have improved compared to the last few years.
Several donations were received during the meeting, including: Music Boosters ($1,000); Nickloy’s Fix and Fab Backpack Program ($507.70); Athletic Boosters for Cross Country ($500); Athletic Boosters for the Sophomore Class ($4,435.62); Athletic Boosters for Baseball Field Light Repairs ($2,500); Athletic Boosters for the Baseball Program ($75); and Athletic Boosters for the Softball Program ($75). The report was approved as presented, with no objections.
Superintendent Bute began his report by thanking his hard-working administrative staff. He announced the rehiring of retired math teacher Geoffrey Gilmore.
There are specific hurdles to jump through, such as establishing an initiative procedure, setting a public meeting, and approving the final resolution, but he hopes to see Gilmore back in the school’s community soon.
Bute also gave an updated report on the enrollment status of the school. A total of 520 students are enrolled either at North Central or through Four County. He reminded staff that graduation is scheduled for Sunday, May 25th at 2:00 p.m.
Elementary Principal Brent Saneholtz shared that this month’s ‘Hero Theme’ for students is Growth. This is fitting as it falls in line with state testing – a great time to check and chart academic growth for students.
The elementary students once again participated in the American Heart Association’s “Hoops for Hearts” program.
They were able to raise $6,432, and Saneholtz warmly thanked the community for its continued support and for making such an event possible.
Saneholtz closed with a reminder of his short-term plan for the month, “…to continue our students’ growth, but also reward kids for their hard work, and continue to make North Central a great place to learn.”
Recommendations by the superintendent included presenting several students who are pending the requirements for an early graduation. They will walk with the class of 2025 in May.
Juniors Mackenzie Frame, Devan Sherry, Emily Sprow, and Alec Waltz are all waiting for the successful completion of state and district requirements.
The Board also approved the current list of seniors set to graduate at the end of May. These seniors have met the completion of the requirements set forth by the North Central School Board of Education as well as the State of Ohio regulations.
The Consent Agenda included the hiring and rehiring of several extra-duty positions for the 2025-2026 school year. This consisted of JH/HS sports coaching jobs. The resignation of the HS Secretary, Kendra Smeltzer, was also accepted.
With no further business to attend to, the board called the April 15th meeting to adjourn at 6:49 p.m.