(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
PERFECT SCORES … Third-Graders Carter Oxender, Issac Fraley, and Kinely Huffman stand with Elementary Principal Brent Saneholtz in celebration of their perfect State Math testing scores.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central Board of Education met for its regular session on Tuesday, June 30, in the High School Auditeria.
The evening’s agenda covered a range of financial updates, administrative transitions, and planning for the upcoming school year, including multiple staff resignations and policy approvals.
All board members were present, with Dustin Meyers being absent. In attendance were President Kati Burt, Vice President Tim Livengood, Chuck Haynes, John Huffman, and Superintendent Michael Bute.
The meeting was kicked off by a special announcement from Elementary Principal Brent Saneholtz. After closely reviewing the state testing scores received in May, Saneholtz noted that three third-grade students had achieved perfect scores in math.
Carter Oxender, Issac Fraley, and Kinely Huffman were recognized and given a small gift basket in celebration of their high scores. Saneholtz thanked 3rd-grade math teacher Joe Fidler for his continued hard work in educating young minds.
During the treasurer’s report, the board approved both final appropriations for the 2025 fiscal year and temporary appropriations for 2026.
Notably, around $902,000 was added to the General Fund, with the majority allocated to personnel services and employee benefits.
Additional appropriations, totaling over $31,000, were made to other funds, including Title I and Title II-A programs, state grants, and student-managed activity accounts.
A resolution was also passed to raise $929,690 annually through a 1% earned income tax, designated for district operations.
The board renewed its annual insurance policy with the Ohio School Plan, covering liability, violence, auto, cyber, and property insurance at a total cost of $35,094 for the coming year.
Junior High and High School principal, Martha Hasselbusch, reported an overall student attendance rate of 93% for the 2024-2025 school year. She also plans to have staffing positions fully filled and completed by July 2.
Athletic Director Michael Babin announced a sports ticket increase for the upcoming year. This is due to expenses increasing in multiple categories, such as referee costs, staffing, and supplies.
The ticket prices were approved as follows:
-HS Ticket (Students/Senior Citizens),$5
-JH Ticket (Students/Senior Citizens), $3
-Adult Pass, $110.00
-Senior Pass, $55.00
-Reserved Seating w/ Pass, $25
-Reserved Seating w/out Pass, $25
Hasselbusch took the time to address the recent passing of a North Central graduate, Courtney Ames. “Courtney was one of our seniors last year and was a bright light in our school community.”
“It has been uplifting to see how our staff, our children, and our community have rallied around the family during this time.”
Personnel matters were a central focus of the meeting, particularly the approval of several employment transfers across instructional and custodial roles.
Among the most significant actions was the acceptance of six staff resignations, effective this summer. Departing staff include Band and Choir Director, Jeffrey Hlutke, High School teachers Erin DeGroff (Spanish) and Alecia Szymanski (Art), Junior High Social Studies teacher Nathan Shamp, and Elementary Instructors Angela Schuette (2nd grade) and Chloe Thiel (1st grade).
Superintendent Bute provided updates on student enrollment, school culture initiatives, and bullying reports, and also confirmed upcoming meeting dates.
The board approved the re-employment of Geoffrey Gilmore for the 2025-2026 school year and passed a new negotiated agreement with the North Central Education Association. Employment policies for non-bargaining unit staff were also reviewed and approved.
Following the open session, the board entered into executive session to discuss personnel matters, returning briefly before adjourning the evening.
With multiple policy updates and staffing changes in motion, the district is positioning itself for a busy but focused start to the 2025-2026 school year.
The next scheduled board meeting will be held on July 15 at 6:00 p.m.