Sandy Valley school board organizes for 2026

A new board president and vice president were elected at the Jan. 5 meeting of the Sandy Valley Local School District Board of Education. 

Scot Bowman, who served as board vice president last year, was elected president, succeeding Amie Snyder, while Isaiah Winters was elected vice president. The two other board members are Steve Pomesky and Dr. Joe Wigfield. 

During the organizational meeting, Isaiah Winters and Amie Snyder, who were each re-elected in the November election, took the oath of office for new four-year terms. 

Amie Snyder was named legislative liaison representative, with Steve Pomesky serving as alternate. Isaiah Winters was named student achievement liaison, and all committee appointments remain the same with no changes for 2026, according to Superintendent Matt Whitted. 

Board compensation was set at $125 per meeting. 

Regular board meeting 

During the regular meeting, the board: 

— Approved supplemental positions for the 2025–26 school year for the following: Jacob Gamber, Christina Hormeli and Kathleen Brady, math tournament coaches; and Kristen Woods, math tournament coordinator. 

— Approved open enrollment for Avery Donahue, eighth grade, and Ashlyn Donahue, 12th grade. 

— Approved the 2026–27 school calendar with classes beginning Aug. 18 and ending May 28. 

— Approved 2026 Board of Education meetings scheduled for Feb. 5 and 23; March 16; April 20; May 18; June 29; July 20; Aug. 17; Sept. 21; Oct. 19; Nov. 9; and Dec. 14, all at 6 p.m. in the board meeting room. 

— Approved the 2026 tax budget showing total revenues of $9,979,264 and total expenditures of $10,709,659. 

— Approved the creation of a new student-managed student activity account. 

— Approved a program agreement with the Stark/Portage Area Computer Consortium. 

— Entered into a purchased service agreement with the Stark/Portage Area Computer Consortium for treasurer services effective Jan. 1 through July 31, 2026, at a cost of $85,000 per year. 

— Approved a resolution for leasing approximately 110 acres of Sandy Valley Local Schools’ mineral rights at $4,000 per acre, with a bonus of $1,000 per acre if accessed, at a flat fee with no benefits. 

— Heard Superintendent Matt Whitted express appreciation and recognition to board members. 

— Set the next meeting for Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. 

Records commission meeting 

During a separate records commission meeting, the board adopted a board policy and records retention schedule allowing shredding in accordance with the annually adopted schedule.