By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon Board of Education held their meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, with presentations, financial items, personnel matters, policy revisions, and resolutions included on the agenda.
The meeting included presentations on tobacco and vape usage through the Fulton County Health Department, student services, the district report card, and a proposed Wauseon Regional Sports and Arts Campus. The campus proposal was presented by Brock Nagel, a Wauseon Recreation Association board member and secretary.
The proposal is part of an ongoing discussion involving the Wauseon Recreation Association, Wauseon City Council, and the school district regarding the possible formation of a Joint Recreation District. The WRA has described the district as a way for local entities to work together to manage, fund, and operate public recreation facilities and programs.
The WRA has stated that the goal is to explore the creation of an indoor recreation facility without requiring additional tax dollars or a levy. Possible funding sources have included private donations, government grants, loans, and revenue generated by the facility itself.
The preliminary vision includes indoor turf space, full size courts, batting cages, a fitness area, classrooms and meeting spaces, and an outdoor amphitheater. Additional concepts have included basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, an indoor track, a weight room, concessions, outdoor green space, and spectator seating.
Supporters have described the project as a possible year-round hub for recreation, education, community events, leagues, and tournaments. The WRA has also stated that the facility could attract visitors, generate revenue, support local businesses, and make Wauseon more attractive to prospective employers and families.
The project remains in the exploratory stage, with the WRA stating that its current priority is determining whether the vision can be achieved without increasing local taxes.
In financial business, the board approved monthly bills and financial reports, along with appropriations totaling $34,057,734.10 across all funds. The board also accepted several donations for the Wauseon School Food Pantry, Wauseon Athletic Department, Wauseon High School Food Service Donation Key, Wauseon Schools, and the Wauseon School Care Closet.
Personnel actions included approval of administrative contracts for Jennifer Grime as director of instructional services, Eric Sauber as operations supervisor, and Scott Harrold as Wauseon High School assistant principal, with Harrold’s contract conditional upon BCI and FBI requirements. The board also approved Carson Burt as a sixth grade math teacher, conditional upon licensure.
Several supplemental contracts were approved for the 2026 to 2027 school year, including positions connected to athletics, clubs, student activities, music, speech, mock trial, FFA, National Honor Society, and other programs.
The board approved an agreement with Promote419 for social media management from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Members also approved NEOLA policy and guideline revisions related to tobacco use prevention and use of district premises.
The board then approved an after-bid resolution authorizing the purchase of one Bluebird transit school bus chassis and body through the Ohio Schools Council at a purchase price of $163,685.
A resolution was also approved to proceed with placing a renewal income tax issue before voters. The resolution states that the district determined it is necessary to raise $4,822,052 annually for current expenses, with the renewal income tax rate set at 1.75 percent per year.
The proposed renewal would continue the existing school district income tax, which is set to expire at the end of 2027. If approved, the renewal would begin January 1, 2028, and continue for a continuing period of time. The issue is scheduled to appear before voters at the November 3, 2026, election. The board entered executive session before returning to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
