Carrollton school board conducts $210,000 auction, reviews snow day schedule

Bell-Herron Gymnasium was filled with more than 100 attendees Feb. 10 as the Carrollton Exempted Village School District board of education conducted the auction of the former Carrollton High School/Elementary property on Third Street.

After approximately an hour of bidding, all eight vacant residential lots sold for a total of $210,000, pending board confirmation. Jimmy and Joey Galbraith purchased Parcels 1 through 6 as a combined package for $180,000 following competitive bidding and a defender-position round. Ken Joseph purchased Parcel 7 for $13,000 and Joshua Proctor purchased Parcel 8 for $17,000.

Superintendent Dave Davis reported the district has used eight snow days so far this school year. He said if the district exceeds 10 missed days, makeup days will be added beginning May 29 and continue into early June as needed. Davis also reminded families there will be no school Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents Day.

Davis noted the legislature continues to introduce bills that are not favorable to public schools and said the district is closely monitoring developments.

He congratulated the boys and girls bowling teams for clinching the EBC and Stark County American Division titles by defeating Minerva. “As a former bowling coach, I have to say congratulations to the boys and girls bowling teams,” said Davis. “They both clinched the EBC and Stark County American Division titles by beating Minerva last night.”

Treasurer Denise Ketchum presented the district’s updated five-year financial forecast, reporting the district is projected to maintain a positive cash balance through fiscal year 2030, though expenditures are expected to outpace revenue growth during the forecast period. She said projected revenue growth is slower than in previous years and reflects recent property valuation changes and state legislation. The board approved the forecast as presented.

Board member Jamie Matoszkia delivered the student achievement report. Midyear NWEA MAP Growth Assessments show Carrollton Elementary students are performing above the national average, with a 60th percentile average in reading and 54th percentile in math. She also noted juniors will take the ACT Feb. 24 and counselors will begin scheduling meetings for next school year.

Several middle school choir students participated in the District 8 Honor Choir, and seventh grader Remmi Cunningham will compete in the regional spelling bee at Kent State Stark. The eighth-grade boys basketball team was also recognized for finishing second in the EBC tournament.

Assistant Superintendent Andy Reeves reported the district was awarded $28,000 through the Ohio School Bus Safety Grant after applying for $92,000. The reimbursable funds will be used to install nine external cameras and 11 illuminated stop arms on district buses. Reeves said while the district did not receive the full amount requested, Carrollton remains in good shape compared to many districts because of the overall age of its bus fleet.

In other business, the board:

—APPROVED participation in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2026–27 school year.

—APPROVED a College Credit Plus memorandum of understanding with Stark State College.

—APPROVED an agreement with LearnWell for educational services.

—APPROVED amended January appropriations and the district’s updated five-year forecast.

—APPROVED revisions to the 2025–26 school calendar to adjust a waiver day.

—AUTHORIZED the closure of two outdated bank accounts.

—HELD executive session to consider the employment of a public employee. No action followed.