Strasburg school board hears solar proposal, awards grants and approves personnel

At the Nov. 19 Strasburg Board of Education meeting, Jeff Borton, president of TMI Energy Solutions in Cincinnati, gave a presentation about installing on-site solar panels through Solar Generation using a power purchase agreement. He said such an agreement is used by nonprofit-based entities to obtain renewable energy without any upfront capital cost.

“We develop the project at no cost to the district. The process takes 60 to 90 days,” Borton said. “If you are interested, you need to begin in January 2026 and complete the process by June 30, 2026, as the rules are being changed.”

Matt Carpenter, director of pupil services, announced that the district received a $22,000 grant from the Rainbow Connection to create a sensory classroom complete with equipment from Southpaw in Dayton.

“The classroom will be available to students in kindergarten to 12th grades,” Carpenter said. “We will be able to service students with physical or occupational needs. It will be mobile and can be moved to other areas.”

In other business, the board recognized several student athletes, including Gage Bonifant, who competed in the state golf tournament; Kylie McKenzie, who qualified for the state cross country meet for four consecutive years; and Rogue Munoz, a foreign exchange student from Madrid, Spain, who served as the football team’s place kicker.

The board also did the following:

– Hired Jessica Riff as food service supervisor effective Dec. 2. She will take over the position held by Tana Martin.

– Approved Hope Haney as a member of the Local Professional Development Committee for the 2025–26 school year.

– Approved Phil Shori as volunteer assistant girls basketball coach for 2025–26.

– Approved classified substitutes Matthew Wald, effective Oct. 15; Tammy Stockert, effective Oct. 17; Wade Brock, effective Nov. 5; and Julie Peterson, effective Nov. 3. Peterson will assume classes for teacher Amy Cierezewski during her maternity leave.

– Granted a one-year supplemental contract to athletic trainer Lindsey Opsitnik for the fall, winter and spring athletic seasons at $4,000 per season.

– Rescinded approval of Phil Shori as seventh-grade trip advisor for the 2025–26 school year. There will be no seventh-grade trip this year.

– Approved Ron Hurst as volunteer indoor track coach for the 2025–26 school year.

– Approved ticket takers for athletic events: Mary Ann Schram, Wanda Law, Teresa Smith, Chris Pratt, Tanner Dreher, Brett Hershberger, Brooke Spinell, Tyler Bates and Daniel Sanatore.

– Adopted a resolution of special education model policies and procedures.

– Approved a three-year Total Care Program agreement with CCG Automation to ensure efficient operation of heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems.

In other information, the board recognized November students of the month: Maty Boylan for the high school, Havyn Romano for the middle school and Ellie Boggs for the elementary school. Boylan will receive her plaque in December. Each honoree receives a plaque sponsored by the Lions Club and the district.

Elementary Principal Katie Miller praised those who planned the Veterans Day program, saying it was “wonderful.”

The high jump and long jump areas at the Franklin Park track are undergoing changes, though work is not yet completed.

The next board meeting will be held Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building at 140 N. Bodmer Ave.