Tusky Valley BOE hears State of the District update

Superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky delivered the State of the District update at the Jan. 12 meeting, outlining the district’s core values: excellence in academics, athletics and the arts; student focus; a safe, positive environment; sound financial decisions; a professional, caring staff; an engaged community; and open communication.

“This is a new three-year plan that drives what we do in the district. We have a caring team of educators and great support of the community,” Varansky said. “The plan represents more than goals, it represents our shared vision and promise to prepare today’s learners for tomorrow’s challenges.”

The district’s three goals are teaching and learning, well-rounded opportunities and community engagement.

The board passed a resolution authorizing the treasurer and board president to execute a certificate of project completion with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. The district entered into the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission June 17, 2020, and all obligations have been met.

Andrea Clements, director of curriculum and instruction, introduced several elementary students who participate in the after-school 21st Century ASP photography class. The students snapped a variety of photos and framed them, then presented each board member with a framed collage in honor of Ohio School Boards Recognition Month. Clements said there are 275 students in the after-school program and the district is in Year 3 of a five-year grant.

The board also did the following:

— Administered the oath of office to board members Amy Burrier, Adam Fisher and Sally Green.

— Named Amy Burrier board president and Sally Green vice president. The board will meet the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the community board room.

— Approved a three-year administrative limited contract for Matt Ward, director of athletics and district activities, effective Aug. 1, 2026.

— Approved a three-year administrative limited contract for Jason Phillips, director of operations, effective Aug. 1, 2026. He will oversee all facilities and the community building.

— Approved a three-year contract for Tiffany Shaw, director of workforce development and accountability, effective Aug. 1, 2026.

— Heard Room III of the community building will house a makerspace lab for 3D printers and other machines and will be open during the day for adults to use.

— Accepted the resignation of Dixie Chumney, middle school English language arts teacher, for retirement, effective May 29, 2026.

— Held a public hearing on the 2026-27 school calendar. The first day for students is Aug. 19.

— Appointed Scott Tritt to a three-year term on the Buckeye Career Center Board of Education, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

— Approved early graduation of Benjamin Congdon upon meeting all Ohio and district graduation requirements, effective Jan. 13, 2026.

— Established a $5,000 service fund to pay expenses actually incurred by board members or a representative in the performance of duties.

— Set meeting compensation for all board members at $125 per day, per meeting, for no more than 12 meetings per year.

— Established board compensation of $60 per day for training up to three hours per day and $125 per day for training more than three hours per day, and for attendance at Ohio School Boards Association conferences and other conferences related to board duties.

— Accepted 14 donations and grants and expressed appreciation to the contributors for the building project, Family Advocate, Hope Squad and Affordable Christmas.

— Viewed a rendering of a stadium proposal featuring a 7,700-square-foot home-side building and a 4,512-square-foot visitor-side building. The plan includes two buildings with locker rooms, restrooms and concessions. A committee will be formed to raise funds, and Varansky said there is no timeline.

Other information:

The board recognized students of the month: Sydney Miller, student; Allegra McMillan, fine artist; Victoria “Tori” Wilson, athlete; Natalie Woloch, junior; Elsee Koury, sophomore; Natalie Stokes, freshman; Mia Stutzman, seventh-grader; and Cooper Detchon, eighth-grader.

The next meeting is Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. in the community board room at 2637 Tusky Valley Road NE in Zoarville.