Marlington school board reorganizes, sets 2026 leadership

The Marlington Local Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting Jan. 7, 2026, followed by its regular January meeting.

Board member Karen Humphries served as president pro tem as the meeting came to order. Humphries was the sole nominee for president for the 2026 term, and Jonathan Swift was the sole nominee for vice president. Both nominations were approved unanimously, and each took the oath of office administered by Judge Robert Lavery. Following the election and oath, Humphries assumed the chair and led the remainder of the meeting.

The board next swore in three members re-elected in the November 2025 general election: Humphries, Mark Ryan and Cathy Krupko. Judge Lavery administered the oaths. Shirley Ryan held the Bible during Mark Ryan’s oath, and Krupko’s grandson, Cole, held the Bible during her oath.

Several annual resolutions were approved. The board set its regular meeting schedule for the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Digital Learning Zone at Marlington High School, unless otherwise determined.

Krupko was appointed as a delegate to the Ohio School Boards Association annual conference. Swift was appointed legislative liaison and an alternate to the OSBA. Additional appointments for the coming year included Policy, Swift; Curriculum, Humphries; Finance, Ryan; Building and Grounds, Josh Hagan; and Extracurricular, Krupko.

The board approved existing bylaws and policies for the operation of the district. The Alliance Review was designated as the district’s official newspaper. Permission was granted for participation in cooperative programs, preschool services and special education grants through the Stark County Educational Service Center. The district was authorized to participate in cooperative purchasing programs through the ESC, state purchasing programs and joint purchasing agreements permitted under Ohio law. Participation in federal, state and local grants, as well as memberships including the OSBA, its Legal Assistance Fund and the Ohio High School Athletic Association, also was approved.

The board established a service fund not to exceed $20,000 and set the maximum amount for blanket purchase orders at $250,000. Additional authorizations related to the treasurer and superintendent were approved.

Following the organizational meeting, the board convened its regular January meeting. A highlight was a curriculum update presented by Renee Kaley, outlining proposed additions and changes to the high school program of studies. Updates included the addition of Scott Stayer as athletic director, required language from Ohio House Bill 8, the phaseout of aviation and the addition of digital electronics to Engineering II. Changes being considered by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to the Natural Resources Energy Pathway also were discussed, along with a switch in junior- and senior-level horticulture courses.

The board approved the 2026-27 district calendar, which mirrors the 2025-26 calendar, and approved three personnel items.

Treasurer Bob Foss presented the fiscal year 2027 alternative tax budget for board approval. The budget included total taxes levied of $16,060,881, along with statements of fund activities and unvoted general obligation debt.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Digital Learning Zone at Marlington High School. A work session will be held Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m., with a focus on potential summer projects and discussion of the district’s upcoming five-year forecast.