Strasburg board advances levy, land swap

The Strasburg Board of Education approved several measures at its Dec. 17 meeting, including action to advance a current expense levy and a land exchange with Franklin Township trustees and Union Cemetery.

The board approved a resolution requesting the county auditor certify the district’s current taxable value for a current expense levy. The levy was first approved by voters in 2017 as a 2.9-mill, five-year levy and renewed in 2022. It generates about $600,000 annually and, if approved again, would not increase real estate taxes. Once certification is received, the board plans to pass a resolution at its January meeting to place the levy on the May 5, 2026 ballot.

In another matter, the board approved a resolution authorizing negotiation, execution and consummation of a real estate purchase and sale agreement involving the district, Franklin Township trustees and Union Cemetery. The district owns 3.5 acres, while the trustees of Grandview Union Cemetery own about 6.07 acres. Under the proposal, the district would convey its 3.5 acres to the cemetery, and the cemetery would convey its 6.07 acres to the school district.

“We will be gaining more land than when we started,” Superintendent Vince Lindsey said.

The board also presented the Tiger Way Award to members of the football chain gang for decades of service to the district. Honorees included Louie Dreher, 50 years; Wes Hostetler, more than 20 years; Don “Duck” Krantz, 60 years; and Marty Zehnder, 55 years. Hostetler was unable to attend.

“This community is special and we appreciate the award,” Krantz said.

The board accepted a $21,277 donation from the Rainbow Connection to fund a sensory classroom serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The mobile classroom will support students with physical or occupational needs and can be moved throughout the school.

In other action, the board:

— Thanked Brent Miller for his service on the board. Lindsey said Miller helped move the district forward and consistently supported students. Miller received a Tiger Way Award.

— Passed a resolution authorizing negotiation, execution and consummation of a drainage easement and maintenance agreement involving property adjacent to the school campus and village-owned land near the village hall. The easement would allow the village to connect the stormwater system for the new community center to the district’s existing stormwater drain in the student parking lot.

— Approved a resolution related to solar electric generation and authorized TMI Electrical Contractors to develop a power purchase agreement proposal at no cost to the district. The board is under no obligation to enter into a PPA.

— Appointed Kevin Harvey as president pro tem for the Jan. 13 organizational meeting at 5:45 p.m.

— Approved maternity leave for Kylie Martinelli from April 22, 2025, through June 1, 2026.

— Approved Missy McKenzie as a volunteer swimming coach.

— Entered into an agreement with a vendor to provide cybersecurity services.

In other information, the board recognized Tigers of the Month: Caleb Zaugg, high school; Delilah Ham, middle school; and Reid Kanouff, elementary. Maty Boylan, high school, was also honored from the November meeting. The students received plaques sponsored by the district and the Lions Club.

The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13, with an organizational meeting at 5:45 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building, 140 N. Bodmer Ave.