By Jesse Davis
Swanton Local School District Superintendent Chris Lake provided an update during Wednesday’s board of education meeting on the evacuation of the high school the previous week.
According to Lake, students in the chemistry classroom had just completed an experiment with baking soda and vinegar and were cleaning their lab equipment, which created a blockage in the drain. The clog caused an odor to come back out of the pipe, leading to the evacuation. He said they believe no other chemicals were involved.
In his report to the board, Lake commended the high school staff in its entirety while singling out the efforts of Principal Anthony Menna, Assistant Principal Matt Horen, and Secretary Lisa Ludlow.
He called the decision to evacuate the building and implement the school’s emergency plan “a quick, decisive action made in the interests of safety.”
Lake said the students were moved and parents notified quickly and efficiently, and that the reunification process went off without a hitch.
“The fact that this was ‘the real thing’ and went so well is a testament to the many hours each year that the district puts into running drills and reviewing our emergency plans,” Lake reported.
Other Business
Board members approved an additional three-year contract with Julian & Grube at $2,700 per year to prepare cash-basis financial statements, which are audited each year. The district has been having the statements prepared for 12 years.
Board members approved the one-year renewal of a subscription to Financial Planning Analytics powered by Forecast5 through Frontline Education with access for up to five employees at a cost of $9,027.
Board members approved the adoption of a cybersecurity program to be implemented and managed by the IT department in alignment with Ohio House Bill 96, including an annual report on the program to be provided by the IT director and the superintendent.
Board members approved the course description for Principles of Nutrition and Wellness, to be offered to all high school students. According to the description, “students will use principles of nutrition to ensure a healthy body throughout the lifecycle” with an emphasis on “planning and preparing meals with an understanding of nutrients and their benefits, portion control, and dietary needs” with additional information on “steroid and supplement use, body weight and management, and the implementation of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Board members approved a three-year agreement for Parent Square at a total estimated cost of just over $21,000 based on current enrollment numbers. The agreement caps annual price adjustments 5 percent, which is 5 percent lower than a one-year agreement.
Board members approved a long slate of personnel items, including summer custodial as well as grounds and maintenance positions and dozens of certified supplementals for the 2026-2027 school year.
Board members approved a variety of appropriation changes and estimated resource changes.
Board members voted to accept donations totaling $600 for Adulthood Day, $167.32 for the quiz bowl lunch, $900 for prom, $1,500 for the Athletics Holiday Classic, $5,000 for cafeteria lunch balances, $1,500 for boys’ basketball, $80 for track, and $52.90 for the elementary school.
The next regular meeting of the Swanton Local School District Board of Education is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, at 108 N. Main Street.
