Conotton Valley board reviews positive forecast, weighs curriculum request

The Conotton Valley Board of Education reviewed its financial outlook, discussed curriculum, and approved a long list of business items during its Sept. 17 meeting.

Financial forecast

Board member Kevin Willoughby reported that he and Rob Higgenbotham had recently met with Treasurer Denise Ketchem. Ketchem told the board the required three-year forecast shows a positive balance, which the board approved as presented.

She cautioned, however, that the five-year forecast projects a negative balance. Anticipated Rover Pipeline revenues were not included because of uncertainty over timing and amounts. Ketchem said expenses continue to outpace revenues each year, with salaries and benefits making up 80 percent of costs. She urged the board to begin planning how to manage Rover funds when they arrive.

Curriculum request

High school English teacher Kaci Mizer requested approval to teach the novel "The Things They Carried" by Tim O’Brien. Superintendent John Zucal said one area spiritual leader had called to acknowledge the themes and language in the book but did not oppose its use. The board held a first reading and will vote on final approval in October.

Recognition

The board and superintendent recognized Judy Walters, who retired from the cafeteria after 39 years of service, with a certificate of appreciation.

Board actions

— Heard balances reported at $9,925,813.09 and approved expenditures of $1,342,640.45.

— Accepted gifts and donations totaling $17,929.80: $1,250 from OHSAA to CV Athletics; $500 from Circle L Fence to CV General Fund; $7,000 from Red Higgenbotham to CV Football; $3,000 from Red Higgenbotham to CV Athletics; $400 from March Stein to CV High School Cheerleading; $3,000 from Gregory Spitzer Fund to CV High School Cheerleading; $108 from Joe Baker to CV Boys Bowling; $108 from Joe Baker to CV Girls Bowling; $1,850 in products from CV Band Boosters to CV Band; and $713.80 from CV students and community to TV-Mayson/HD-ANA.

— Approved tuition reimbursement of $1,800 to Danielle Caldwell for completed coursework.

— Approved Miriam Kepschull as a student teacher with Shelley Walker for the 2025-26 school year.

— Approved a service contract with the Stark County Educational Service Center for the 2025-26 school year.

— Approved a contract with Dallas Winrod, school psychologist, for services on an as-needed basis during the 2025-26 school year.

— Approved Penny Howard as an event worker for the 2025-26 school year.

— Approved the Bowling Handbook for the 2025-26 school year.

— Added Denell Gordon and MaKayla Frink to the certified substitute list for the 2025-26 school year.

— Approved an agreement with Kent State University-Tuscarawas to use district baseball and softball fields for practices and games.

— Approved a Transition Agreement and an Interagency Agreement with Harcatus Tri-County C.A.O. Inc. Head Start for the 2025-26 school year.

— Approved supplemental contracts for the 2025-26 school year: Vickki Bente, resident educator; Stephanie Garrott, district testing coordinator; Stephanie Garrott, federal programs administrator; and Brian Dittfeld, eRate advisor.

— Approved revised Policy 6231 authorizing the treasurer to continue preparing five-year forecasts.

— Approved student activity accounts for 2025-26: Musical National Honor Society, Class of 2031, Academic Challenge, Life Skills, Class of 2028, Class of 2032, Baseball, Vocal Music, Boys Basketball, Student Lighthouse and Class of 2025.

— Heard the first reading of the proposed 2026-27 academic calendar.

— Changed maternity leave dates for preschool aide Tayla Berg from Sept. 22–Dec. 18, 2025, to Sept. 11–Dec. 18, 2025.

— Approved Kimberly Roy as long-term substitute preschool aide during Berg’s leave.

— Approved a letter of intent with the Conotton Valley Education Association to increase the Student Council extracurricular stipend from $816.78 to $1,633.56.

— Approved facility use requests: cafetorium Sept. 4, by Buckeye Council, Boy Scouts of America; auxiliary gym Oct. 4, by Student Council for homecoming dance; and parking lot Oct. 16, by Student Council for Trunk or Treat.

— Approved an in-lieu-of-transportation request by Dana Hummel for her son Ethan Hummel to and from Beyond Speech Therapy Center in Munroe Falls.

— Approved field trips: grades K-2 to the Performing Arts Center and Tuscora Park Oct. 7; grades 10-12 to Kent State-Tuscarawas for the College/Career Fair Sept. 26; ENGL 1101 students to Dennison Depot Museum Oct. 7; and students to the ECO ESC Center in St. Clairsville for the Transition Planning Fair Oct. 7.

— Approved a memorandum of understanding with Shawnee State University for College Credit Plus courses in 2025-26.

— Approved a contract with ECO Educational Service Center to provide itinerant preschool services in 2025-26.

The board’s next regular meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in the administrative conference room.