Marlington board updates bidding policy

The Marlington Local School District Board of Education met Feb. 12.

Superintendent Dan Swisher began his report by noting the observance of School Counselor’s Week and Board Appreciation Month. Board members received gifts made by students, and students appeared on video to offer thanks to board members, Swisher and Treasurer Bob Foss.

In a district update, Swisher said he does not expect to reduce the number of teachers as he looks ahead to the 2026-27 school year. He said there is significant activity at the state legislative level, with no final resolution in sight and potential effects on the district. Swisher also noted that state Sen. Scott Oelslager will complete his term at the end of 2026 and not seek re-election. He announced that Rick Baxter, president of the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce, will attend the March meeting to provide an update on developments in Alliance. Classified staff negotiations are ongoing, with hopes of reaching a contract within a couple of months.

Due to new ground rules on bidding school facility projects, the board approved a revision to Policy 6320, allowing projects costing less than $75,000 to be approved without obtaining multiple quotes. The board then approved a proposal from The Final Floor to replace the middle school gym floor at a cost of $72,970.

The board approved continued participation in the Intra-District Open Enrollment Program for the 2026-27 school year for kindergarten through fifth grades. It also approved continued participation in the Inter-District Open Enrollment Program for kindergarten through 12th grade for the same school year.

At a Feb. 5 board workshop, members discussed the required five-year forecast due this month. Foss said historic changes are expected in property tax reform, with multiple proposed bills that could affect the district. Major changes are anticipated in purchased services and services for special needs students. Foss said the district is projected to end the year with a deficit of $134,000. He also reported that $948,197.40 in second-half 2025 pipeline proceeds was transferred to the Capital Projects Fund.

Also discussed at the workshop were possible 2026 summer projects, including additional paving at elementary schools, lighting improvements and fencing around the Marlboro septic system.

The board approved participation in the Cooperative Bus Purchasing Program. The district currently has 32 buses and does not anticipate purchasing one this year, depending in part on the number of drivers hired. Like many districts, Marlington continues to seek bus drivers, though the approval process can be lengthy.

The board approved the high school program of study and the bullying report for the first half of the 2025-26 school year. It also approved a resolution supporting high school girls flag football in the spring and all personnel items on the agenda.

Two students were recognized as High School Elk Students of the Month: Noah Seaburn, son of Tiffany and Jeremy Lea and the late Aaron Seaburn, and Amilah Sickles, daughter of Lindsey and Brady Sickles. Two additional students were unable to attend.

The board entered executive session to consider the purchase of property for district purposes. No action was taken afterward.

The next board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. March 12 in the DLZ at Marlington High School.