West Holmes board approves key contracts

The West Holmes Local Schools Board of Education met in regular session Feb. 17 at Killbuck Elementary.

The board approved the minutes of the Jan. 12 organizational and regular meetings.

In financial matters the board approved the month-end reconciliation and investments as of Jan. 31, the financial report by fund of expenditures and unencumbered balances as of Jan. 31, the financial summary for the month ending Jan. 31, and the district forecast.

During the superintendent’s report, board members received committee reports, an FFA update and a curriculum update and completed a review of board policies AC — Nondiscrimination and ACAA — Sexual Harassment.

Killbuck Elementary Principal Brian Lash recognized several students for outstanding academic achievements. Earning perfect state test scores for the 2024-25 school year were Oaklyn McVicker, fifth grade English/language arts; Declan Clemens, fourth grade math; Caden Zollars, fourth grade math; and Oakley Eastep, third grade math.

Fifth Grade Farm Tour Essay winners were Lola Weaver, first place; Declan Clemens, runner-up; and Micah Mays, third place. Cameron Carver placed third in the 5th Grade Farm Tour Poster Contest. Killbuck School Spelling Bee winners included Oakley Eastep, first place; Mia Rogers, co-runner-up; and Ella Shoemaker, co-runner-up.

The board also received a K-5 building update.

Under new business, the board approved memorandums of understanding with The University of Akron, Stark State College and Ashland University for the 2026-27 school year; a resolution accepting the rates as set forth by the county auditor; and a resolution authorizing 2026-27 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

The board also approved the use of The Center for Individual & Family Services, doing business as Catalyst Life Services, as a substitute sign language interpreter for students in need in the district, as well as overnight travel for the West Holmes Middle School robotics team to attend the Robotics State Tournament March 3-5 and for the West Holmes High School robotics team to attend the Robotics State Tournament March 5-6.

Retirements were approved as follows: Lisa Lawhead, aide, effective May 29; Kathleen Skolmutch, secretary, effective June 30; and Rose Ann Boyd, aide, effective May 29.

Resignations included Channer Wells, assistant basketball coach, quit attending effective Jan. 6; Kelly Hood, teacher, effective Feb. 13; and Adam Bratley, athletic director, effective June 19.

Supplemental contracts were approved as follows: Wyatt Mellor as varsity head baseball coach, with Geoff Wagers, Darryl Woods and Jordan Stutzman as assistant coaches and Kiowa Looney and Peyton McKinney as volunteer coaches; Shannon Fogle as varsity head softball coach, with Pam Dowling, Lacey Walters and Shauna Walters as assistant coaches; Scot Mellor as varsity head track coach; Mike Ewing as assistant head track coach; Kendra Martin Polowy, DiVaunta Spearman and Brittanie Chaney as assistant track coaches; Abby Sanders and Kevin Beachy as volunteer track coaches; Clay Miller as middle school head boys track coach; Carla Burgett as middle school head girls track coach; Thad Weaver as middle school assistant boys track coach; Bud Yoder as volunteer track coach; and Marc Yabroff as varsity head boys tennis coach, with Ted Thorpe as assistant coach.

The board also approved temporary gate workers for the 2025-26 school year. Football and basketball money takers will be paid $45 per game. Ticket takers and all other sporting event money takers will receive three complimentary tickets per game worked, with varsity and junior varsity basketball counting as one game.

The next board meeting will be held March 16 at Nashville Elementary.