Garaway BOE takes legal steps in turf warranty dispute

Garaway Board of Education authorized attorney Matthew Mullen to represent the board for the artificial turf on the football field warranty dispute on a pro-bono basis. At the May 19 meeting, Superintendent Dr. James Millet said fibers are coming off the artificial field turf. It has an eight-year warranty; however, the problems began about three years ago, and the district started to pursue a solution. Millet said the district is ready for a lawsuit over the matter.

“We contacted the company, and it fell on deaf ears. We need to make sure the field is safe for students. Down the road, we will be looking to replace the turf. The field is still good for next year,” Millet said, “We are hoping for a settlement.”

“I suggest you get an opinion before moving forward and not actively spending more money,” said Mike Warkall, board member.

The board then entered into a contract with Turf Consultants Inc. to test the safety and integrity of the artificial turf at the football field for the purposes of a potential warranty claim at a cost of $15,042.

In another matter the board entered into an agreement between BigZ Sports and the board of education for use of the football stadium facilities for the WTUZ East West All Star Game on July 18.

The board also did the following:

—Heard the district met seven indicators on the state test scores. Information will be arriving for another seven indicators about the district’s scores.

—Accepted donations of $25,000 from TC Energy for the high school robotics class, $26,000 of Ohio Technical Grant through the East Central Ohio/ESC for robotics, $350 from Dundee Elementary PTO for student field trip tickets, $100 from the Stauffer family for the high school Artsweek, and a donation of two American flags and a POW/MIA flag at the football field, Dundee and Ragersville elementary schools from the Sugarcreek American Legion Post #494, valued at $250.

—Approved a 2026 service agreement with OME-RESA at a cost of $32,963.

—Rescinded the purchase of a 12-passenger van.

—Approved pest control services with Central Exterminating Co. at a cost of $2,926.

—Entered into a contract with Newton Asphalt Paving Inc. for repaving the parking lots at Dundee and Ragersville elementaries at a cost of $34,232 for Dundee and $15,890 Ragersville.

—Approved a contract with Tate Services LLC for replacement of a light pole at the high school student parking lot at a cost of $7,232.

—Approved athletic gate admissions.

—Entered into a contract with Pleasant Valley Plumbing to remove and place high school girls locker room showers at a cost of $10,995.

—Agreed the fee for 2025 sixth grade camp will be $85 per student.

—Gave approval for the purchase of 43 Viewsonic interactive boards for classrooms from GovConnection at a cost of $149,825.

—Approved the purchase of classroom chairs from Martin Public Seating for Ragersville Elementary at a cost of $17,000.

—Accepted the resignation of Amanda Oliver, Garaway special services aide for seventh grade through 12th grade, effective at the end of the school year.

—Granted a one-year certified contract to Nick Leeders, math teacher at Garaway for seventh grade through 12th grade.

—Approved 27 athletic supplemental contracts to varsity and other coaches for the 2025-26 school year.

—Approved a certified contract for Sara Goedel, assistant treasurer, accounts payable on a three-month probationary contract at $20 per hour, effective July 1.

Other information

The board recognized April Student of the Month recipients: Adi Kaufman, Student of the Month; Claire Miller, middle school; Tessa Flores-Flores, artist; Kendall Atkins, Employee of the Month; and Abby Steiner and Andrew Wicker, athletes.

A special meeting will be June 19 at 8 a.m. in the superintendent’s office. The regular meeting will be June 26 at 7:30 a.m. in the superintendent’s office, 146 Dover Road NW, Sugarcreek.