Carrollton board discusses funding challenges, welcomes new treasurer Denise Ketchum

The Carrollton Exempted Village School District held a board of education meeting Nov. 4 where members discussed school funding and welcomed the new treasurer.

A major focus of the meeting centered on the recent Carroll County property reappraisal and its impact on school funding. Superintendent Dave Davis shared details from an Oct. 28 meeting with County Treasurer Staci Brady and Interim Treasurer Jon Pusateri, where they discussed the county’s significant property value increases and the limited options available to lessen the resulting tax impact.

Brady explained the reappraisal process and tax bills are governed by state law, leaving her unable to adjust or delay them. Davis said the district has not passed a new property tax levy since 1977 and currently operates at the state’s 20-mill floor, meaning it cannot lower its millage rate further. As property values rise, the state simultaneously reduces aid, creating a funding imbalance that the district cannot control. Both Davis and Brady agreed there are no viable short-term options to offset the tax increase.

“It was a great meeting because now we have an understanding on both sides, what we can do on our end and what she can do on hers,” said Pusateri.

However, Davis noted that House Bill 186, now moving through the legislature, would cap future property tax increases to the rate of inflation, offering taxpayers relief while maintaining school funding stability. Although it would not affect the current tax year, the board plans to send a letter of support to state lawmakers urging its passage.

In an unrelated matter, Denise Ketchum was approved as the new Carrollton schools treasurer on a three-year contract with a yearly salary of $114,000. She was welcomed by all board members.

“Thank you, I’m very excited to be here,” said Ketchum.

The board approved a shared service agreement with the Conotton Valley Union Local School District to retain the services of Ketchum for no more than two days per week during their transition to a new treasurer, as presented.

In other business, the board:

— Heard Davis’s superintendent report, which thanked the officials and employees of the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Carroll County Highway Department and various township trustees and workers for their help in making bus routes safe. They installed signs, trimmed trees, removed brush and handled anything that transportation director Tom needed so that the bus route audit was accepted.

— Heard the board recognize middle school students of the month Mallaree Palmer and Trenton Brown, along with high school students of the month Isaac Husted and Izzie Nuzzolillo, for their hard work, positive attitudes and academic achievement.

— Learned CHS is hosting the EBC Honors Choir Festival Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in the PAC. All are welcome to attend. Also, the CHS musical will be staged Nov. 14 and 15.

— Accepted the following resignation: Matthew Sheldon, custodian, effective Nov. 21.

— Approved the following substitutes for the 2025–26 fiscal year, pending proper documentation has been verified and is on file: Morgan E. Bostic, classified, effective Nov. 5; and Donald M. Spears, certificated, effective Nov. 5.

— Approved the following request for unpaid leave of absence: Mackenzie Poole, teacher, Feb. 1, 2025–May 1, 2026.

— Approved the following personnel appointments. Documentation has been verified and is on file: Denise R. Ketchum, treasurer, effective Nov. 1, L-3 contract; and Waneda Shankel, classified, effective Nov. 3, L-1 contract.

— Hired D. Mark Spears, on an as-needed basis, as athletic event coordinator at a rate of $24 per hour to serve during the assistant athletic director’s absence for health reasons until his return.

— Approved the following out-of-state and overnight field trip requests: CHS wrestling, destination Triadelphia, West Virginia, departing Dec. 27 and returning Dec. 28; CHS wrestling, destination Gallipolis, Ohio, departing March 5 and returning March 7; and CHS wrestling, destination Columbus, Ohio, departing March 12 and returning March 15.

— Accepted the following resignations: Stacy Barto, preschool coordinator, effective Oct. 29; Holli Majestic, teacher, retirement effective Aug. 3, 2026; Kay Russell, teacher, retirement effective Aug. 3, 2026; and Tonya Trussell, teacher, retirement effective Aug. 3, 2026.

— Approved the following supplemental contracts for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Proper documentation has been verified and is on file: at CHS, Kailey R. Delawder, wrestling – girls varsity assistant coach (½). At CMS, Jaxon C. Rinkes, basketball – boys middle school – grade 8.

— Approved the following revised supplemental contract for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Proper documentation has been verified and is on file: at CHS, Ashlynn Knotts, wrestling – girls varsity assistant coach.

— Approved the following substitutes for the 2025–26 fiscal year, pending proper documentation has been verified and is on file: Darin W. Abel, certificated, effective Nov. 5; and Brittany R. Moore, classified, effective Nov. 5.

— Held executive session to consider the purchase of property for public use or for the sale of property at competitive bidding. The session was regarding the auction of the old school building property on Third Street next month. There was no action taken following the session.

The next meeting will take place Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at Bell-Herron Gymnasium on Third Street. This meeting will include the auction of the old school building property.