Marlboro trustees outline road work, school news and rising insurance costs

The Marlboro Township Board of Trustees met Oct. 15, reminding residents to vote and emphasizing the importance of passing the police levy to maintain the township’s police department.

The Road Department reported receiving its new MowerMax Boom Mower and completing training on its use. Trustees noted the equipment’s versatility, with attachments for up to 30 tools including a snowplow and broom, and praised its stability and “crab walk” feature for reducing roadway obstruction. Trustees approved payment of $291,139.72 in bills, which included $250,434.25 for the mower.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell said paving was completed on Osborne and Immel avenues using more than 4,500 tons of asphalt. Upcoming projects include chip and seal work on Preston Avenue and a recently installed culvert on Byers Avenue.

Marlington Local Schools Superintendent Dan Swisher shared district updates, including the completion of new roofs for all five school buildings and the paving of most school parking lots. He noted that families in Marlboro donated $200,000 toward a new playground that will cover 95% of its cost. The district currently has a positive balance of about $300,000 and is not seeking new levies, though a renewal may be needed in 2027.

Swisher said the district’s latest state report card score remained at 3.5 out of 5 stars, with improvement efforts underway in the growth category. A new grant will fund a shift from information technology to coding programs aligned with artificial intelligence coursework. Marlington has partnered with the University of Mount Union, and its seven high school engineering classes now count as Career Tech or College Credit Plus.

Swisher also addressed concerns about school bus staffing, reporting that the district is managing but has consolidated routes after retirements. He said open enrollment at Lexington Elementary has been closed, while Marlboro and Washington elementaries still have limited openings. Enrollment remains steady, which he said is essential since the district is flat-funded by the state.

He confirmed there are no basement water issues at any school buildings and said window replacements were part of a $6.7 million project that also covered roofs and HVAC improvements.

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reported that AultCare’s renewal came with a 12.64% premium increase for 2026, and the township’s insurance broker will request a lower rate. The Premium Saver Plan rates will remain the same, and trustees received updated rate information from the Stark County Schools Council of Governments.

Trustee John Battershell said a Wade Avenue property was cleaned up after approval from the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, with costs to be added to the owner’s tax bill.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Marlboro Township Hall.