Strasburg board reviews report card, approves contracts and honors students

The Strasburg Local Board of Education reviewed the district’s state report card during its Sept. 17 meeting.

The district received 3.5 stars overall, meeting state standards. Strasburg Elementary earned 4 stars and exceeds state standards, while the high school received 3.5 stars and meets standards.

Superintendent Vince Lindsey said the district met eight indicators: third- and fourth-grade math; fourth- and seventh-grade English language arts; eighth-grade science; American history; biology; and English II.

“We are going to do a deep dive with data to improve the 3.5 stars overall,” Lindsey said. “We had a 93% graduation rate, however that information is a year behind.”

Lindsey noted it was the first time the eighth grade has passed science on the state report card, crediting middle school science teacher Josh Metz.

Treasurer contracts

The board amended Treasurer Trevor Gummere’s current three-year contract, effective Aug. 1, 2023 to July 31, 2026, with changes taking effect Aug. 1, 2025. Members also approved a five-year renewal from Aug. 1, 2026 through July 31, 2031.

Personnel actions

The board approved:

— Maternity leave for school counselor Amy Ciereszewski, Nov. 17–Dec. 28, 2025.

— Two pre-substitute teachers, Noah Doerschuk and Maddox Kruger, effective Sept. 15.

— Two non-degree substitutes: Kandi McGaffick, effective Sept. 11, and Amber Krempel, pending certification.

— Karen Dreher as part-time cook, effective Oct. 10.

— Sarah Miller as part-time academic tutor, paid with Title II funds through the Educational Service Center at $22 per hour for 100 days.

— Amanda Miller and Cathy Krempel as classified substitutes, pending certification.

— 26 one-year supplemental contracts for band, advisors and middle school coaches.

— A memorandum of understanding with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 2025-26.

— Pay increases for substitute bus drivers: $18 per hour for extra trips and $20.64 per hour for daily routes.

— One-year supplemental contracts for seven advisors leading Girls on the Run, Guys with Ties, Family Arts Night, Girls with Pearls, chess club and the elementary drum line.

The board learned there will be no seventh-grade trip this year to ease financial burdens on families. Members also approved the five-year forecast from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and authorized graduate credit payments per contract agreements for nine staff members.

Recognitions and honors

Tigers of the Month were Caradi Hartline, high school; Arabella McCloskey, middle school; and Ella Miller, elementary. Each received a plaque sponsored by the Lion’s Club and the district.

Strasburg High senior Gage Moore, who attends Buckeye Career Center, was named BCC student of the month.

The 2024 homecoming queen was Lily Gopp, crowned Sept. 5. Senior attendants were Katelynn Farthing and Keagan Kramer; junior attendant, Izzabella Young; sophomore attendant, Raelynn Lancaster; and freshman attendant, Mya Boylan.

The next board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 15 in the board room, 140 N. Bodmer Ave.