By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon Exempted Village Schools Board of Education met for its organizational meeting on Monday, January 12th, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the Board of Education Office, formally seating new members and setting the district’s leadership and operational structure for the year ahead.
During the meeting, the oath of office was administered to newly elected board members Carla Rice and Jeff Feasby. The board then elected Larry Zimmerman Jr. as president and Phil Kessler as vice president, with both officers subsequently sworn into their leadership roles.
The board also approved its regular meeting schedule, with meetings to be held at the Board of Education office and school buildings in accordance with the calendar presented.
Following the organizational actions, the board approved a series of annual authorizations. The superintendent was designated as the district’s purchasing agent for 2026, and a records commission was established consisting of the board president, superintendent, and treasurer.
Members then approved a comprehensive resolution granting the treasurer authority over routine fiscal operations, including managing appropriations, accepting donations, investing district funds, issuing checks, approving certain levies, and setting the mileage reimbursement rate at 72.5 cents per mile effective January 1st, 2026.
The treasurer was also authorized to manage grants, tax advances, fund transfers, and district credit card limits, with those authorizations remaining in effect unless formally rescinded by the board.
The board next authorized the superintendent to carry out a range of operational responsibilities when the board is not in session, including making conditional employment offers, accepting resignations, approving staff conference attendance, entering into contracts for goods and services under established limits, and accepting donations and grants on behalf of the district.
The superintendent was also permitted to employ temporary personnel in emergency situations and to expend funds for meals, refreshments, and recognition tied to board meetings and staff related events.
In addition, the board appointed Chad Richer as Student Achievement Liaison and Carla Rice as Legislative Liaison. With no further business, the organizational meeting was adjourned.
The board then reconvened at 5:00 p.m. for its regular meeting. As part of School Board Recognition Month, members acknowledged the service and commitment of the board to their students and the broader community.
The board approved the previous meeting minutes and amended two prior resolutions to clarify the stated reasons for entering executive session.
Treasurer consent items were approved, including the district’s fiscal year 2026 appropriations, which totaled $33,858,597 across all funds, encompassing general operations, bond retirement, permanent improvement, food service, federal grants, and student managed activity funds.
The board also accepted a substantial list of community donations benefiting a variety of district programs, including the school food pantry, Best Buddies program, athletic department, student council, care closet, and other initiatives.
Contributions ranged from monetary gifts and gift cards to food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, reflecting broad community support for Wauseon Schools.
Among the larger donations was a $24,700 contribution from The Metzger Family Giving Fund, along with several donations supporting athletics and student activities.
Members reviewed detailed property tax and levy information for the district, including estimated revenues, collection history, and millage rates for various funds.
The board also approved personnel items as presented, before moving on to approve an overnight trip for the Wauseon Middle School Speech Team to attend state finals in Pickerington on February 20 and 21, 2026.
The board then approved the district’s 2026 insurance package and viewed a video highlighting the current transportation facility.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to consider the employment of an employee, with no action taken. Board meeting compensation was also discussed before moving to adjourn.