Fairless board approves middle school principal contract

Natalie Gilkerson was granted a three-year administrative contract as Fairless Middle School principal during the Feb. 17 board meeting. Her duties are effective Aug. 1.

A Fairless High School graduate, Gilkerson began her career as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher at the former Beach City Elementary. From 2000 to 2002, she taught math, science, social studies and English language arts. She later served as a district math coach and, for the past two years, as elementary school assistant principal.

She replaces Middle School Principal Daniel Nero, who will retire effective July 31.

Zach Michel, Fairless athletic director, presented information on a new athletic league, citing renewed traditional rivalries, reduced travel time, consistent competitive balance, improved postseason preparation and end-of-season award recognition. The league is also expected to create long-term stability for Fairless athletics.

“The benefits for the community are an increase in local attendance and gate revenue, community engagement and school pride, a revival of historic matchups and stronger regional identity,” Michel said.

The board approved a resolution authorizing membership in a startup interscholastic athletic conference that has yet to be named. The new conference will begin in 2028-29 and include Fairless, Sandy Valley, Tuscarawas Valley, Claymont, Minerva, Tuslaw, Carrollton and Marlington.

“The athletic directors have been discussing improvements and a better opportunity for the athletes. The conference will be better balanced,” Superintendent Mike Hearn said.

Later in the meeting, the board approved a resolution to terminate membership in the Principal’s Athletic Conference.

The board also gave public notice that Constance Horton, executive assistant, will retire and seek re-employment with the district in the same position. Brenda Jennings, a secretary, also will retire and seek re-employment following her service retirement. A public meeting on the issue of re-employment for the two individuals will be held March 17 at 6:15 p.m. at the high school.

The board also:

— Heard Treasurer Mark Phillips administer the oath of office to Charlie Snyder, who was appointed to serve an unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2027.

— Accepted the resignations of Julie Miller, food service director, effective June 30 for retirement; Patricia Burwell, bus driver, effective Feb. 17; and Susan Smith, head girls golf coach.

— Approved one-year supplemental certified contracts for Krista Doane and Pamela Gerig, middle school track, and Jessica Swihart, assistant track.

— Granted one-year supplemental contracts to district nonemployees Matthew Samaco, varsity assistant baseball; Samuel Uminski, freshman baseball; Ethan Goodwin, volunteer baseball; Seth Peterson, Olivia Widder, Terra Walther, Shaun Robinson and Kirk Askren, assistant track; and Jonathan Norman, middle school track.

— Approved the five-year forecast to be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education prior to Feb. 28.

— Passed a resolution to renew membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for 2026-27.

— Entered into a one-year contract with SPARCC for internet services at a cost of $13,104, effective July 1 through June 30.

— Approved 2026 membership with the Ohio Education Policy Institute at a cost of $1,000.

— Adopted a resolution authorizing the Stark County Schools Council to advertise and receive bids for the possible purchase of a 62-, 72- or handicap-passenger integrated bus unit. The action does not obligate the district to purchase a bus.

— Approved a resolution with the village of Brewster authorizing preparation and execution of an application for Safe Routes to School funding to implement the adopted school travel plan.

— Approved a shared services agreement with Canton Local Schools to provide food director services beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

The board recognized the eighth-grade boys basketball PAC 7 champions.

The next meeting will be March 17 at 6:15 p.m. at Fairless High School, 800 Seventh St. SE, Brewster.