Carrollton BOE recognizes longtime educator at meeting

The Dec. 11 Carrollton Exempted Village School Board of Education meeting was all about honoring longtime educator and board member Rose Seck, who is stepping down from the board.

A large gathering of past educators, administrators and students attended the meeting to support Seck. Superintendent Dave Davis presented her with an honorary Carrollton High School diploma, and she received flowers.

“This means a lot to me because I did not graduate from Carrollton,” said Seck. “I graduated from Saint Edward’s, and I always, always wanted to be an alumnus of Carrollton High School, so this means the world. This is better than winning the lottery. Thank you so much, really appreciate it.”

Every board member had kind words for Rose, including administrators Superintendent Dave Davis and Assistant Superintendent Andy Reeves.

“Just the people that you have touched, I mean, it goes from grandparents to parents to children now,” said Board President Dan Ries. “The numbers are just amazing, the amount of lives you have affected over three generations. You're the only one here that had a say in the building of both these schools. And your legacy's going to live on 100 more years. So, thank you for everything.”

“We are thankful for all the things that you've said ‘yes’ to,” said Davis. “We need somebody to do this, and Rose, Mrs. Seck, said, ‘Yes, I'll do that. I'll be there.’ So we just thank you so much for everything you've done for us and for the kids, mostly for the kids, I know that’s why you are here.”

“There were good times and challenging times, but everyone worked together to solve all of these issues as a team, and that's what it takes,” said Seck in her address to the board and guests. “My goals and dreams, to have all our students in new buildings with excellent curriculum, have already taken place and have been met. I want to wish much success for the entire school family and best wishes for the school board as they continue their important work. Thank you all so much. It means a lot. I never expected this in a million years.”

Seck also expressed confidence in her successor, offering special recognition to incoming board member Savannah Harris.

“I’m very happy Savannah is here, and she’s going to be the new board member to take my place,” said Seck. “I feel like I can leave with a lot of confidence, and I know she’s going to do a terrific job on this board.”

Superintendent Dave Davis provided several district updates. He announced that the Ohio Supreme Court will hold a session at Carrollton High School April 15, an educational opportunity that will allow students from Carrollton and neighboring districts to observe real court proceedings and participate in follow-up discussions.

Davis reported that the fall musical was a strong success, crediting student performers and crew for their work. He also outlined the district’s continued focus on cybersecurity training through Cyber Neo, noting that cyber safety is now as essential as physical school safety.

He highlighted a new professional development initiative: through a Tech Ohio grant, approximately 60 staff members will begin AI training Feb. 2, learning how to effectively and responsibly incorporate artificial intelligence into classroom instruction.

Davis also updated the board on the Chestnut Run Energy Transmission Plant project, which will include a community meeting Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. at the elementary cafeteria. He noted ongoing challenges with the bus garage construction site, explaining that the terrain has required additional planning and design adjustments.

In other business, the board:

—APPROVED the following overnight field trip request: CHS girls basketball, destination Highland High School, departing Jan. 16, 2026, and returning Jan. 17, 2026.

—ACCEPTED the following resignation: Phil Sabatino, custodian, retirement effective June 30, 2026.

—APPROVED the following personnel appointments. Documentation has been verified and is on file: Jami Powell, bus driver, effective Nov. 24, L-1 contract; and Jesse Hasseman, custodian, effective Nov. 25, L-1 contract.

—APPROVED the following supplemental contracts for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Proper documentation has been verified and is on file: at CHS, Mike Aukerman, cross country – varsity assistant coach; Kelly Hadden, cheerleading – freshman head coach (½); and Mycala Little, Special Olympics.

—AGREED to hold a special meeting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the Bell-Herron Gymnasium lobby.

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

—APPROVED the following overnight field trip request: CHS girls wrestling, destination Rocky River, Ohio, departing Dec. 27 and returning Dec. 28.

—ACCEPTED the following resignation: Barbara Burns, cafeteria supervisor, retirement effective May 20, 2026.

—SET the organizational meeting for 2026 Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the extended learning area at Carrollton High School.

—AUTHORIZED HWS Best Counseling services for supplemental counseling January–May 2025, as presented.

—APPROVED the amendment to the official hire date of Ron Colaprete to the correct date of July 14 and approved the amendment to the Sept. 9 meeting minutes to update the hire date accordingly.