Morgan Tolotti was sworn in as the newest member of the board of education during the Aug. 11 meeting. Tolotti, appointed to fill the seat vacated by Dick Gooding’s July 31 resignation, will serve through Dec. 31, 2026. Treasurer Mark Phillips administered the oath of office.
The board approved a one-year lease agreement with Phoenix Rising Behavioral Healthcare and Recovery Inc. for the rental of rooms C01 and C03 in the school-based health clinic, as well as room 134B in the administrative building, effective Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026.
Four resolutions were passed nominating members Amy Burrier, Adam Fisher, Sally Green and Ben Overton for an Ohio School Boards Association Recognition Award.
“We are thankful for the summer workers, and also we will receive the 21st Century grant for after-school programs,” Green said. “Twelve percent of our funding comes from the federal government and 88 percent from property taxes.”
Personnel changes
– Rescinded the employment of Zach Dennis as head football and conditioning coach, originally approved May 12.
– Rescinded the employment of Jason Johnson as middle school football coach, approved June 9.
– Rescinded the employment of Cade Adams as assistant football coach, approved June 9, and granted him a contract as head football coach.
– Accepted the resignation of Mary Large, elementary school cook, for retirement, effective Aug. 15.
– Approved unpaid leave for Krystal Powell, elementary administrative assistant, from Nov. 3–11, 2025.
– Granted supplemental contracts to Nick Benner and Gary Tongret, assistant girls soccer; Seth Teter, assistant girls soccer; Kim Charton, assistant band director; Aaron Miller, assistant band director for drum instruments; Andrew Congdon and Rick Grissom, co-middle school football coaches; Austin Dierick and John Kouth, assistant football; Nick Hicks, Eric Shuman and Carl Sommers, middle school football.
Agreements and contracts
– Entered into a contract with Impact Academy for the 2025–26 school year at a rate of $129 per student, per day.
– Approved substitute bus driver pay for Scott Pennell for hours driven before 6 a.m. or after 2 p.m. on weekdays and any weekend shifts when other drivers are unavailable.
– Approved the 2025–28 District Master Plan, which includes three goals:
Deliver high-quality, innovative instruction to help every student reach their full potential.
Provide a well-rounded education fostering academic excellence, creativity and physical wellness.
Foster strong partnerships among schools, families and the community to support student success.
– Approved a $338,780 change order to Massillon Construction and Supply LLC for additional HVAC, plumbing, electrical and masonry work on the clinic project, funded by a grant.
– Entered into a three-year service agreement with Kimble for trash removal and recycling at approximately $1,550 per month, effective Sept. 1.
– Entered into a one-year lease agreement with KP FitLife for room 123 in the administrative building, effective Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026.
Community notes
– Resident Alicia Hall thanked the board and raised concerns about state and federal funding for the district.
– A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new turf field will be held Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m., before the first home football game.
The next board meeting will be Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Community Board Room, 2637 Tusky Valley Road NE.
