West Holmes school board approves policy changes, personnel items

The West Holmes Local Schools Board of Education approved several business, policy and personnel items during its regular meeting May 18 at West Holmes High School.

The board approved minutes from its April 20 regular meeting and special meetings held April 30 and May 4. The board also accepted the treasurer’s report, including month-end reconciliation and investments, the financial report by fund of expenditures and unencumbered balances, and the financial summary for the month ending April 30.

The board congratulated the high school leadership class for securing a $1,500 grant through NAMI Wayne and Holmes Counties for its Mental Health Awareness Video Contest through the Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Superintendent’s report items included committee reports, an FFA update, a curriculum update, a 2026-27 gifted services overview, a review of board policy EDEC on artificial intelligence, recognition of West Holmes retirees and a K-5 building update.

Retirees recognized were Dawn O’Donnell, Gerrilu Hughes, Lenora Roub, Eric Goudy, Suzanne Goudy, Kristi Shearer, Lisa Lawhead, Kathleen Skomutch, Rose Ann Boyd, Laurie Strine, Raye Pringle, Susan Johnson, Richard Allison and Catherine Cline.

The board approved 2026-27 College Credit Plus intent letters and board policies IGDJA and IGDJA-R regarding drug testing of students in extracurricular activities. The board also rescinded board policy JECBD on intradistrict open enrollment.

The board approved the boys basketball team’s travel to an overnight basketball camp June 12-14 at the University of Findlay and approved a contract with Kaufman Realty for the auction of the elementary buildings.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding with The Center for Individual & Family Services Inc. for as-needed ASL services during the 2026-27 school year if the district’s other interpreter is absent.

The board also approved a resolution adopting the Center for Internet Security Cybersecurity Framework as the district’s official cybersecurity program framework and authorized implementation in accordance with Ohio House Bill 96.

Jefferson Health Plan funding factors and premiums were approved effective July 1. The monthly family rate is $2,510, with the employer paying $2,208.80 and the employee paying $301.20. The monthly single rate is $1,004, with the employer paying $883.52 and the employee paying $120.48.

Personnel items approved included a continuing certified contract for Jessica Fowler.

Three-year certified contracts for the 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years were approved for Brian Baughman, Steve Fowler, Carrie Maltarich, Kevin Wolf, Kevin Beachy, Amanda Blankenship, Meghan Boals, Allissa Bolick, Kim Buchanan, Steve Butcher, Brittanie Chaney, Jeremy Dombrady, Nick Gerber, Jonathan Gilley, Mindy Hans, Molly Johnson, Janel Kiner, Jessie Kurtz, Jerrica Lowe, Brooke Mast, TJ McAvene, Kelsey Miller, Lauren Mosher, Rick Mullins, Kim Murphy, Megan Palmucci, Jenna Priestas, Kim Reidenbach, Lindsay Rettig, Melissa Rodhe, Stephanie Schwarzwalder, Justin Shearer, Mary Smith, Angie Snyder, Logan Stanley, Matthew Torgler, Nathaniel Wade, Jeremy Westbrook, Justin Wilcox, Loren Williams and Keely Wolfe.

One-year certified contracts for the 2026-27 school year were approved for Katelyn Fraley, Anna Irwin, Malinda Johnson, Tyler Masters, Rosanna Miller, Lindsey New Morris, Kelsey Runkle, Paige Russ, Abigail Sanders, Katie Schwartz, Kaylee Thompson, Chloe Ueltschy, Kenna Warner, Thad Weaver and Clayton Zimmerly.

Three-year classified contracts for the 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years were approved for Tom Eastep, Dawn Martin and Chad Troyer.

One-year classified contracts for the 2026-27 school year were approved for Megan Arnold, Austin Brannon, William Cox, Pamela Dowling, Katelyn Eppley, Nicole Ervin, Kristina Flener, Tracey Hahn, Gary Lehr, Marnita Mast, Sherry Maynard, Peyton McKinney, Leyna Miller, Traci Strouse, Jessica Vaughn, Megan Warne, Terry Williams, Bryce Wilson and Ryan Zickefoose.

The board approved hiring Jennifer Hustack as a teacher for the 2026-27 school year and approved Aila Yoder and Cael Woods as substitute teachers, effective May 1 and May 13, respectively.

The board accepted the retirements of Richard Allison, custodian, effective July 31; Catherine Cline, cook, effective May 31; and Lenora Roub, cook, effective June 1.

The board accepted the resignations of Paige Schlabach, social worker, effective May 29; Angela Morris, bus driver, effective May 31; and Morgan Kellogg, teacher, effective May 29.

The board approved 2025-26 mentors Jeremy Westbrook, David Woods, Carla Burgett, Amy Cline, Kisha Stutzman, Lindsey Rettig, Vanessa Woods and Molly Alysworth.

Supplemental approvals included Kaylee Thompson for up to two hours per week of home instruction for special education services for students and Ashley Hershberger as head volleyball coach for the 2026-27 school year.

The board also approved 18 extended days for Suzanne Goudy for credit recovery starting July 1.

The next meeting will be held at 7:30 a.m. June 15 at West Holmes High School.