PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GOLDEN EAGLE AWARD … School Resource Officer Stephanie Mills presents Travis Creek with the Golden Eagle Award due to his dedication, support, and remarkable impact on North Central Local Schools.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central Board of Education held its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:02 p.m. in the school auditorium.
The meeting opened with a call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance – led by North Central Fourth Graders. President Kati Burt, Tim Livengood, John Huffman, and Dustin Meyers were in attendance.
Huffman addressed concerns over the split-lot property owned by the school. After discussion between the Board, they decided they would set a date for the expected completion. “We will take it into our own hands,” Huffman states.
Livengood amended the agenda to include the five-year forecast under the treasurer’s report. The board then moved to waive the reading and approve the minutes from the August 19, 2025, regular meeting.
Ryan Pendleton, the new North Central Treasurer, introduced himself to the public as the official treasurer of record. He reported donations of $206.15 and $184.45 from Nickloy’s Fix and Fab to the Backpack Program. Financial statements and investments from August 2025 were presented for review.
Within the Treasurer’s Report: permanent appropriations for Fiscal Year 2026, a date confidentiality and use agreement, and the transfer of $1,143.23 from the General Fund to Title I were approved.
Additional items were the authorization for the treasurer to create a DragonFly account with a $10,000 fund to pay athletic officials and an agreement with Strategic Solutions for the implementation and support of financial software.
Superintendent Bute called Principal Hasselbusch to the stage to introduce the elected class officers of 2025-2026. Sophie Eustace and Addyson Turner gave a brief presentation on the updated goals and ideas of this year’s student council.
Bute also called forward School Resource Officer (SRO) Mills, who announced a new Golden Eagle award to be given to staff. Coordinated alongside Police Chief Tim Livengood, the Pioneer Police Department will award an outstanding staff member a Golden Eagle Trophy.
“This individual has made a remarkable impact by providing unwavering support to staff and students alike,” SRO Mills said. “They are also a reliable source of support for any and all IT-related issues, always ready to assist students, staff, and community members alike.
“Their patience and professionalism create an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help without hesitation.” Travis Creek, Technology Director, was awarded the first Golden Eagle award.
The superintendent moved forward with his report. The State Report Card returned as a 3.0, which meets the state’s standard.
Administration reports included a monthly recap from Elementary Principal Brent Saneholtz and Junior High/High School Principal Martha Hasselbusch.
Hasselbusch stated that student attendance was at 80% for the month of August, while staff attendance was at 65%. “North Central Secondary is hosting two exchange students this year, one from Spain and one from France,” she stated.
Kyra Gates gave the athletic department report, and she updated the board on her new Player of the Game and Player of the Week awards that will be happening throughout the sports seasons.
Gates also addressed plans to bring active shooter training to the fields and athletic events. Alongside SRO Mills, they will be putting together a plan for upcoming winter events. “Preventive preparation can save lives and consistent training will reduce response times,” Gates says.
Bute recommended a motion concerning the establishment of education requirements for substitute teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. The board approved unanimously.
Under the Consent Agenda, several employment recommendations were presented for extra-duty positions.
– Sara Traxler as Facility Dog Handler
-Matt Randolph as Junior High Assistant Football Coach
-Josh Fiser as Volunteer Boys Basketball Coach
The resignation of Michael Babin was approved for August 20, 2025. Extended service contracts were approved for the school year, including a contract for Renee Roesener, Educational Aide.
Additionally, the board approved a proposal for an overnight trip for the Greenhand FFA to Muskingum, Ohio, scheduled for September 26 – 28, 2025.
With no executive session necessary, the North Central School Board adjourned at 6:51 p.m.