Garaway Board of Education honors Beachy and Shrock as terms conclude

The Garaway Board of Education honored April Beachy and John Shrock, board members who did not seek reelection in November, during the Dec. 15 board meeting. Beachy served eight years, and Shrock served seven years and two months.

“I want to recognize April Beachy and John Shrock for all the work they have done for the school," Superintendent Dr. James Millet said. "You both were very involved, and we sincerely appreciate and thank you. You will be missed, and I hope you stay involved."

Also during the meeting, the board adopted the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars. The first day for students in 2026-27 is Aug. 18, winter break is Dec. 21-31, spring break is March 22-26 and the last day for students is May 28. The first day for students in 2027-28 is Aug. 18, winter break is Dec. 20-31, spring break is April 10-14 and the last day of school is May 26.

The board also did the following:

—Approved the retirement of Kathy Maurer, assistant to the treasurer, accounts payable, effective April 1, 2026. She has served the district for 25 years.

—Accepted a donation of a 32-by-24-foot constructed picnic pavilion located near the baseball field from the Dundee Parent Teacher Organization.

—Renewed the Ohio School Boards Association membership for 2026 for $5,902 annually and the legal assistance fund consultant service contract for $250.

—Approved the preventive maintenance agreement with McMillen Heating and Cooling for district buildings (Garaway seventh grade through 12th grade); Miller Avenue, Baltic, Ragersville and Dundee elementary schools; and Belden Center for $4,140 annually.

—Approved a resolution authorizing the use of paper-based tests for the Ohio State third grade English/language arts assessment for the 2026-27 school year. Millet said it should be beneficial for third-graders to take a paper test instead of on a computer. He is not sure the state will approve the request.

—Approved Everyway (formerly N2Y) Unique Learning System for CC Unit Curriculum, Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Curriculum in compliance with state law for $4,237.

-—Approved Lucille Limbachervas, classified substitute, and Ava Starner and Larry Bower, bowling volunteers, all for the 2025-26 school year.

—Recognized November Student of the Month recipients Dillon King, high school; Tristen Noviski, middle school; Lukas Miller, fine arts; and Nic Palmer and Laynee Reneker, athletes.

Other information

The board will meet Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. for the organizational meeting, followed by the regular board meeting held in the high school library. Treasurer Sheryl Hardesty will preside as president pro tem during the organizational meeting. The board meets at 146 Dover Road NW in Sugarcreek.