East Holmes school board approves donations, policy updates and new staffing

The East Holmes Local Schools Board of Education met Friday, Oct. 17 for its regular meeting.

The meeting opened with guests Courtney Miller, Tara Schlabach, Jade Bolitho and Elizabeth Beachy speaking; the approval of the minutes from the Sept. 19 meeting; and the adoption of the agenda for the October session.

Superintendent updates included the recognition of Hiland-WKLM Student of the Week recipients Eastyn Miller (Sept. 22-26), Savanna Holley (Sept. 29 through Oct. 3), Lydia Johnson (Oct. 6-10) and Truvy Yoder (Oct. 13-17). Building and supervisor reports also were reviewed.

The treasurer presented the monthly financial report, which was approved by the board. The report included the payment of bills and reconciliation for September 2025. A Then & Now certificate was approved for Jostens Inc., totaling $8,646.66 for the Hiland Yearbook Fund.

The board also approved and accepted several donations: Holmes Excavating Co. LLC, $160 to the Hiland Leadership Class for flag football T-shirts; B&L Transport, $200 to the Hiland Leadership Class for flag football T-shirts; Mast Trucking, $200 to the Hiland Leadership Class for flag football T-shirts; Sterling Transfer LLC, $200 to the Hiland Leadership Class for flag football T-shirts; Mavin, $500 to the Winesburg Walk/Run Club; ForeverLawn of Ohio, $15,000 toward turf installation at Walnut Creek; and Mark Smith Offroading Inc., $250 to the Hiland Vocal Department.

The board approved multiple policy revisions, replacements and rescissions to align with state and federal requirements.

The board approved all substitute personnel hired by East Holmes Local Schools and the Tri-County Educational Service Center for the 2025-26 school year.

A one-year limited contract for classified personnel for the 2025-26 school year was approved for Billie Hershberger, paraprofessional (aide).

Supplemental positions approved for the 2025-26 school year included Christa Wolf (assistant high school musical director, drama/stage and choreographer), Mark Stutzman (assistant high school musical director, drama/stage), Emily Hile (spring play director), Rogan Miller (fall play stage/ticket manager and spring play stage/ticket manager), Mallory Rearick (musical pit/orchestra coordinator), Zachary Rearick (musical pit/orchestra), Carrie Jones (Esports Club adviser, split stipend) and Chad Hochstetler (Esports Club adviser, split stipend).

The next board meeting will be held Nov. 21.