Marlington school board honors retirees, approves district business

The Marlington Local School District Board of Education met May 14, 2026, with an emphasis on honoring the 20 employees retiring at the end of the school year. Each principal or department leader presented a short message about the retirees, who also received a card and gift from Superintendent Dan Swisher.

Swisher first acknowledged three employees who completed 20 years of service: Jennifer Batdorff and Susan Cathey from food service and Lisa Manos, administrative assistant to the treasurer.

Swisher then made the first presentation on Sheri Sickels, who has guided the transportation department over the last several years. Sickels then presented recognitions to several retiring department employees, including bus drivers Sabrina Helman, Kristen Kamerer, Colleen Kuntzman, June Ramey and Head Mechanic Thomas Maher.

Mike Farrell presented recognitions to Marlington High School retirees Rick Nelson and social studies teacher Curtis Hamilton. Marlboro Principal Kitty Mort recognized physical education teacher Danielle Heather. Middle School Principal Michael Risaliti recognized secretary Alice Satow.

Lexington Principal Ashley Weber recognized Head Cook Susan Cathey, Educational Aide Laura Hoover, Intervention Specialist Wendy Lyden, third-grade teacher Rebecca Myers and first-grade teacher Carrie Smith.

Washington Principal Yianni Spondyl acknowledged third-grade teacher Lucinda Bowser for her 35 years of service, physical education teacher Shawn Dillon and Title One teacher Laura Ray.

The remaining retirees included custodian Andy Dillon and Reijo Saari, who worked in custodial services before finishing his career in maintenance.

During his superintendent’s report, Swisher acknowledged Shelly McAlister as the MLSD Teacher of the Year. McAlister teaches Spanish. Kaylee Adkins, a first-grade teacher at Lexington Elementary, was recognized as Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Swisher also acknowledged ELKS Teens of the Year Natalie Price and Kaden Tucker. Additional highlights included the band’s trip to Disney in Florida, $245,000 in scholarships awarded to members of the senior class not including full-ride scholarships, $24,000 in horticultural department spring sales and the district’s involvement in the Exceptional Olympics.

Swisher said that regarding 2026-27 staffing and facilities, he is “committed to making decisions that are best for kids while also being fiscally responsible.” He said plans include analyzing current resignations and retirements, presenting a three-year high school and middle school renovation plan, examining district needs and outlining summer district projects. Swisher also expects to present the teachers’ newly negotiated contract.

In new business, the board approved the May 26 graduation of 146 students, approved lunch rates for the 2026-27 school year with no price increases, approved the student, athletic and Dukes Digital handbooks for 2026-27, approved school fees without changes and approved summer pay rates for 2026.

In old business, the board approved remaining policies regarding class rank and grading and will review a policy regarding artificial intelligence.

Treasurer Bob Foss said Marlington received the first-half 2026 Nexus Pipeline settlement payment of $900,753.45, which will go into the Capital Projects Fund.

The board approved the resignation of Middle School Principal Michael Risaliti, who is returning to the classroom for the 2026-27 school year. Gregory Travis Jr. was approved to move from assistant high school principal to middle school principal, and James Williams was approved as transportation director, replacing the retiring Sheri Sickels.

Two high school students were recognized as High School Elk Students of the Month: Emma Foith, daughter of Joanne and Jason Foith, and Bryson Jones, son of Robin and Andy Jones.

The next Board of Education meeting will take place Thursday, June 25, at 6 p.m. in the DLZ at Marlington High School. A work session will precede the meeting at 5 p.m.

Also during the meeting, Marlington High School announced, pending board approval, Clay Libertore as the new head coach of the Lady Dukes basketball program.

Libertore has worked for Marlington Local Schools since 2019, first serving as an intervention specialist at the high school before becoming the Career Based Intervention coordinator. He brings nine years of basketball and football coaching experience, along with two years in track and field.

Athletic Director Scott Stayer said Libertore’s experience as an educator within the district gives him “a unique advantage in building relationships and monitoring the academic and personal growth of our players.”

Libertore, a 2018 graduate of the University of Mount Union, earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and recently completed a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education in 2024.

“I am honored and proud to lead the Lady Dukes program,” said Libertore. “My goal is to build a culture of accountability and teamwork where our athletes become confident, responsible leaders both on and off the court.”