Conotton Valley board hears updates, approves field trips and contracts

At the Jan. 22 meeting of the Conotton Valley Board of Education, Superintendent John Zucal updated the board on recent achievements and activities at the school.

Zucal first reported that fourth- and fifth-grade teacher Josh Ulrich has been named a Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“It is my distinct honor to share with all of you that fourth/fifth grade teacher Josh Ulrich has been named a Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year,” Zucal said.

Zucal said Ulrich is being recognized for outstanding achievement in the classroom and his commitment to building strong relationships with students. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 10 at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge.

Zucal also highlighted a recent home boys basketball game, calling it “a wonderful celebration of our students and community.” He said the gymnasium “was electric” as the team defeated the Strasburg Tigers and praised the energy shown by students, the pep band and the community.

“I applaud Coach Troyer and his staff for the progress our players are making on the court,” Zucal said. He added the postgame bowling event was well attended and “adds another dimension to the student experience.”

Other action

The board approved the following items:

— A field trip for five high school students to Tuscarawas Valley Schools for the IVC Leadership Winter Conference on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.

— A field trip for fourth-grade students to Roscoe Village and a canal boat ride May 6, 2026.

— A field trip for fifth-grade students to Progressive Field for Science/STEM Days on May 13, 2026.

— A field trip for fifth-grade students to the Age of Steam Roundhouse on May 20, 2026.

— An agreement with the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center to provide tax valuation modeling services at a cost of $4,000 from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.

— Maternity leave for Lindsay McGarry from Feb. 2 through May 12, 2026.

— Unpaid leave for Lindsay McGarry from May 13 through May 29, 2026.

— Spring sports supplemental contracts for 2026: Jeremy Bleininger, varsity softball coach; Karlee Dawson, assistant softball coach; Tracy Bleininger, volunteer assistant softball coach; James Monigold II, varsity baseball coach; and Curtis Love, assistant baseball coach.

— Authorization for Danielle Caldwell to serve as secondary interim superintendent in the absence of Superintendent John Zucal.

— The addition of student teacher Miriam Kepschull to the certified substitute teacher list, specific to Shelley Walker, per the agreement with Kent State University.

— A three-year engagement with Rea & Associates to provide Medicaid audit services at a cost of $1,350 per year for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027.

— A memorandum of understanding with Kent State University for College Credit Plus for the 2026-27 school year.

— A memorandum of understanding with Zane State College for College Credit Plus for the 2026-27 school year.

— A salary increase for Rocket Center attendant Jennifer Booth to $15 per hour.

— A salary increase for Rocket Center attendant Colette Brown to $15 per hour.

— A salary increase for Rocket Center attendant Kenny Moffat to $17 per hour.

— A continuing contract for Sarah Endlich, elementary teacher, beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

— A continuing contract for Robyn King, K-12 music teacher, beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

— The addition of Tia Booth to the classified substitute list as a cook and instructional aide.

— Board of Education policies 2266, 2430.02, 3130, 5130, 5136, 5200, 6109, 6152, 6830, 7541, 8300, 8305, 8400, 8462, 8640 and 9270.

The board discussed and tabled the purchase of a 2025 Ford school transit nine-passenger van at an approximate cost of $74,415.

The next regular meeting of the Conotton Valley Board of Education will be held Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. in the administrative conference room.