East Holmes school board approves key changes

The East Holmes Local Schools Board of Education approved multiple items during its March 20 meeting including contracts, policy updates and personnel changes.

The board approved the meeting agenda and later approved the treasurer’s report including payment of bills and the February 2026 financial and reconciliation report.

During the superintendent’s report, Hiland-WKLM Student of the Week recipients were recognized: Kaitlyn Winterborne (Feb. 16-20), Zoe Miller (Feb. 23-27), Evan Gongora (March 2-6), Kalan Miller (March 9-13) and Zach Hostetler (March 16-20). The board also received the Tri-County Educational Service Center Business Advisory Council Consortium annual joint statement, building and supervisor reports and a district calendar update for the end of the 2025-26 school year.

In new business the board approved three open enrollment students for the 2025-26 school year. The board also approved offering inter-district and intra-district open enrollment in East Holmes Local Schools for the 2026-27 school year. Inter-district open enrollment is available for any student living in Ohio while intra-district open enrollment is for students living in the East Holmes Local School District.

The board also approved offering summer instruction for students currently enrolled in K-5. The program will be held at Walnut Creek Elementary June 8-10, June 15-17 and June 22-25. Up to 15 summer instruction teachers will be hired for nine days at four hours per day, Monday through Wednesday, at a rate of $30 per hour.

In a new business separate motion, the board approved a renewal contract with EJ Therapy Services for occupational and physical therapy and audiology services for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years.

In another new business separate motion, the board approved a series of NEOLA policy updates.

In another new business separate motion, the board approved agreements with Martin Public Seating for the purchase of classroom furniture at multiple buildings including Hiland Middle School/High School, Chestnut Ridge Elementary and Berlin Elementary.

In personnel matters the board accepted the resignations of Seger Bonifant, athletic director, and Tyler Cook, third grade teacher at Flat Ridge, both effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

The board approved a three-year limited contract for Cook as principal at Flat Ridge and Wise elementary schools.

The board also approved one-year limited contracts for certified staff for the 2026-27 school year: Morgan Crites, first grade at Winesburg, and Gracelyn Mathias, Title I at Mount Hope.

Additionally, 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.

The next board meeting is scheduled for April 17.