The August meeting was the board’s first since June, as no
meeting was held in July. Superintendent Dan Swisher provided an update on all
of the renovation projects accomplished this summer, sharing “before,” “during”
and “after” photos that highlighted the upgrades.
Topping the list was the high school roof, which has been
under renewal for the last three years. This year, it was completed with phases
three and four done together at a total cost of more than $2 million. It was
noted that all facilities in the Marlington School District now have relatively
new roofs and are considered in very good condition.
During reroofing, one drain was found to allow water into
the cafeteria. When it was decided to replace that flooring, asbestos was
discovered, requiring remediation. The abatement and new flooring are being
completed at a cost of $17,800, with work scheduled for completion by Aug. 22.
Two phases of high school parking lot repaving were also
completed, the first full redo in more than 20 years. Resealing will be
scheduled every two years to maintain it. New LED lighting was installed, and
the light “islands” were filled with stone to eliminate mowing and reduce
maintenance.
At the middle school, several sidewalls were renewed, and
the long-leaning flagpole was repositioned so it now stands straight.
The Marlboro playground was renovated through the generosity
of four individuals, with an announcement of thanks expected at the next
meeting.
Other improvements included rebuilding a cross-country creek
crossing with culverts so runners no longer had to go through the creek, as
well as improving a softball field’s poor drainage with new piping to direct
water to the nearby creek. The soccer field was also improved through the work
of 75 parents and volunteers who cleaned bleachers, pulled weeds and made
landscape upgrades.
Staffing savings
Swisher reviewed recent staffing reductions, highlighting
the savings over the last four years:
In 2022, 14 positions were not replaced at a savings of
$1,077,038, and 18 positions were replaced at a savings of $231,625, for a
total of $1,308,663.
In 2023, nine positions were not replaced at a savings of
$343,611, and 30 positions were replaced at a savings of $13,811, for a total
of $357,422.
In 2024, four positions were not replaced at a savings of
$120,770, and 24 positions were replaced at a savings of $287,440, for a total
of $408,210.
In 2025, seven positions were not replaced at a savings of
$494,500, and 19 positions were replaced at a savings of $68,225, for a total
of $562,810.
That brings the grand total to $2,637,108 in savings over
the last three years, a significant help to the district’s five-year strategic
plan.
Climate and culture
Swisher then spoke on what he called “climate and culture.”
He said, “We will continue to celebrate individual, building and district
achievements. We will communicate our vision, mission and purpose. We will
embrace our rituals and traditions. We will encourage collaboration,
communication and innovation with our staff. We will set high expectations for
our students and provide them with the tools, resources and support to meet
those expectations. We will maintain a culture of shared leadership.”
Looking forward, Swisher outlined his goals to continue
community meetings, detail major district projects for 2025–26, and provide the
board and community with staffing numbers based on SecureData/Department of
Education and Workforce reports. Strategic plan updates, a curriculum report by
Renae Kaley in September, and financial updates by Treasurer Bob Foss are also
planned.
Board approvals
The board approved bus routes for 2025–26 with a reduction
of three routes from last year, as well as the acceptance of four foreign
exchange students: Marcos Ramos Ruiz and Maria Ruiz Cortina from Spain, Finn
Hassenzahl from Germany and Alejandro Mora Montalvo from Ecuador.
Also approved were an April 2026 out-of-state band trip to
Orlando and an amended health department contract reducing the number of nurses
from two to one, though the single nurse will work the same combined number of
hours.
Substitute teacher pay rates were set at $110 per day for
county subs, $130 for preferred subs, and $150 for long-term subs, who are
required to complete lesson plans and other full-time duties.
Treasurer items were largely routine monthly approvals, with
the exception of an agreement with the Auditor of State’s Local Government
Services section to compile the annual financial statements for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2025.
Change orders for summer renovation projects were also
approved, including $10,890 for additional middle school sidewalk, $7,200 for a
new flagpole base, $2,587 for a new board office entrance, and $18,977 for a
middle school door sidewalk.
OSBA news
In Ohio School Boards Association news, Thomas L. Hosler was
named CEO effective Sept. 1, 2025. He has served as superintendent of
Perrysburg Exempted Village Schools for the past 18 years.
The next regular Marlington Board of Education
meeting will be held at the DLZ in Marlington High School on Thursday, Sept.
11, at 6 p.m.
