Tusky Valley approves move to new athletic league

Steve Franks, athletic director, gave a presentation about Tuscarawas Valley joining the Northeastern Senate League athletic conference in 2028-29. During the March 9 meeting, Franks said Tusky Valley is moving from the Inter-Valley Conference into a new league of eight teams which will include Claymont, Sandy Valley, Fairless, Minerva, Tuslaw, Carrollton, Marlington and Tuscarawas Valley.

“We are seeking a league commissioner. When I learned three IVC teams were leaving, that meant only four teams would be in the IVC south. It is a good fit for the kids. We didn’t go about this lightly and we already play those teams,” Franks said.

Sally Green, board member, thanked Franks for working to make a good decision for the district.

The board passed a resolution authorizing membership in the Northeastern Senate League and become a founding member of the new interscholastic athletic conference.

In another matters, the board approved a three-year administrative contract to David Lautenschleger, middle school/high school principal, effective Aug. 1, 2026 to July 31, 2029.

Members of the Hope Squad explained their function and vision to create a space for students to feel safe. Their mission is that no student feels alone. There is a recharge room where students can go at all times — manned by the Hope Squad. The Hope Squad learns to listen — not fix the problem. They discuss topics such as Trojan Time, self-care, gratitude, mind matters and resilacy. Their memory walk will be held Sept. 7.

The board also did the following:

— Rescinded the resignation of Steve Franks, athletic director, for retirement approved at the December 2025 meeting.

— Approved the resignation of Steve Franks, AD, for retirement, Aug. 31, 2026. He will stay through the summer to help the transition of Matt Ward, new AD.

— Approved one-year limited certified contracts to JaeLynn Marks, fifth-grade English language arts; Zach Jenney, elementary sixth-grade math; Tanner Phillips, seventh-grade math. All contracts are effective Aug. 14, 2026.

— Entered into a lease agreement with TC United Soccer for use of the grass soccer fields, effective March 1 to Oct. 31, 2026. Patrick Eddy told the board the organization is based locally with 215 students participating. About 94% are Tusky Valley students. They play on fields located at Bolivar Dam.

— Approved an Ohio Association of Public School Employees contract for Austin McClain — from elementary custodian to eight-hour middle/high school p.m. custodian.

— Granted one-year contracts for OAPSE classified individuals Myra Sandy, elementary administrative building custodian, and Chad Gintz, elementary custodian. Both contracts are effective March 2 pending verification of all credentials.

— Approved an out-of-state field trip for the high school marching band and choir to Walt Disney World in Orlando from March 20-25, 2027.

— Approved early graduation to Gavin Roberts upon meeting all requirements.

— Accepted donations of $1,546 from Church of the Holy Trinity, $1,000 from Friends of the Mineral City Nicole Donant Library, $500 from Melody and Rick Niblick, and $300 from Carr-Bailey Post 519 American Legion — all for the Washington, D.C., trip.

— Granted a supplemental contract to contracted employee Nick Stotzer — assistant baseball.

— Approved a staff service agreement with the Educational Service Center for Krisann Stenz, computer/network technician — 77 days at $20,517 — and Brenda Christmas, nurse assistant, $15 per hour as needed.

— Accepted the resignation of Harley Carlile, custodian, effective Feb. 27.

— Created an OAPSE classified position, effective March 2, for an elementary/administrative building custodian from 3 to 11 p.m.

Other information

Recognized the students of the month Maleah Dillon, high school; Shelby Hilles, fine artist; Sydney Miller, athlete; Landon Souers, junior; Piper Symons, sophomore; Kourtney Eddy, freshman; Wesley Hecker, eighth grade; Evan Fuqua, seventh grade.

Students contributed $3,204 to the Rainbow Connection telethon.

About 150 students have registered to participate in the spring 20th Century Community Learning Grant activities.

The next meeting will be held Monday, April 13, at 6 p.m. in the community board room, 2637 Tusky Valley Road, Zoarville.