Tusky Valley board honored with statewide distinction

Reno Contipelli, northeast regional manager of the Ohio School Boards Association, presented the Ohio Boards of Distinction Award to the Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education at the Dec. 8 meeting. He also presented an All-Ohio School Board Member award to board member Sally Green.

“The award honors school boards that have engaged in activities and modeled behaviors that lead to excellence in local school district governance in support of quality education,” Contipelli said. “I have never seen a board and administration working together like this board and all the good things you do for the district students. Only five school boards statewide received this distinction, and this is the second time for Tusky Valley. There are 700 school boards in Ohio.”

Contipelli thanked Green for her dedication and for the time spent away from her family, noting she has visited all 88 school districts in Ohio during her tenure with OSBA.

The cheerleaders led the board in a cheer, “Red, Red, Yell Red.” There are 17 cheerleaders, and the squads hold a collective grade-point average of 3.65. Advisor Katie Spinell said they practice three times a week, compete in events and balance extracurricular activities and jobs.

In other business

– Accepted the resignation of Steve Franks for retirement, effective June 10, 2026. The board thanked him for his 27 years of service, 14 as athletic director.

– Heard comments from members about attending the recent OSBA Capital Conference.

– Accepted donations and grants from 20 individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations for Affordable Christmas, band, technology, Project Lead the Way and STEM education support, ranging from $10,000 to $50.

– Approved additional staff services with East Ohio Educational Service Center: Julie Peterson, school counselor consultant, $35 per hour; Courtney Rae, educational aide, 124-day contract, $19,229; Alexis Troyer, registered behavior technician, $4,915; Rachel Kennedy, school nurse, one-time stipend for Washington, D.C., trip, $785; Chinelle Albaugh, healthcare professional, extra hours as needed at $28.50 per hour; Gretchen Daniel, ADOS administration psychology services, $561 per day as needed.

– Amended a supplemental contract for Cody Hodge, assistant wrestling coach, previously approved Nov. 10.

– Issued one-year supplemental contracts to Brian Bullock, assistant wrestling, and Brian Whitlack, volunteer assistant wrestling.

– Approved the athletic holiday for district athletes in grades 7–12 from June 26 to July 5, 2026. School gyms will be closed.

– Approved a high school indoor track and field team at no cost to the district. Volunteer coaches for 2025-26 are Brian Finney, Mandy McElwee and Sandy DeBos.

– Entered into a lease agreement with the Tusky Valley Senior Center for daily rental of the Legacy Center and Room 134A in the administration building, effective Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026.

– Appointed Amy Burrier as president pro tem for the Jan. 12 organizational meeting.

– Heard an update on offering more standalone elective classes so students choose in-district courses instead of taking outside programs. High School Principal Jason Phillips said 500 students responded to a survey for suggestions.

Other information

Students of the month were recognized: Trent Stiller, student; Brianna Stotzer, fine artist; Hayden Huffman, junior; Josie Eick, sophomore; Grace Hawkins, freshman; Hawk Anderson, eighth grade; Benaiah Kotasek, seventh grade.

There will be a two-hour student dismissal Friday, Dec. 19.

The organizational meeting will be held Jan. 12 at 6 p.m., followed by the regular meeting. The State of the District presentation will be given during the regular meeting in the community board room at 2637 Tusky Valley Road, Zoarville.