The Lexington Board of Education met in regular session in the Robert H. Whitney Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Mr. Robert Whitney, President, called the meeting to order. Roll was called by the Treasurer.
Roll Call – Members present: Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Dave Roberts, Mr. Keith Stoner, Mr. Robert Whitney ----4 Mr. Rob Schuster arrived at 7:06 p.m.
VISITORS / COMMUNICATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Whitney welcomed visitors to the meeting and made various publications and mailings available.
Student Representative Report
Student Representative, Chloe Dean, provided the Board with an update of various ongoing activities throughout the District, including athletics, clubs, other student activities, and important upcoming dates.
Mr. Whitney and the Board recognized Chloe for her great work throughout the school year as the Student Representative to the Board and presented her with her nameplate in recognition of her hard work and commitment providing updates of various school activities. Mr. Masi introduced Jacob Halfhill as next year’s Student Representative and the Board welcomed him aboard as we Look forward to his updates throughout next school year.
Admin Update – Central Elementary
Central Principal, Scott Curtis introduced students Emily Schonauer and Tyson Edmunds who provided the Board with an update of various ongoing activities at Central, including the following: • ( Shout Outs – 4th grade leaders created Shout Outs to recognize students for behavior and actions deserving of a Shout Out recognition; • Sock Drive – Nearly 4,000 pairs of socks were collected for those in need!
• Spelling Bee – This was the 1st annual spelling bee held in our new Robert H. Whitney Performing Arts Center;
• Hygiene Drive – 2,000 products were collected for the hygiene drive to provide for those in need;
• Mock Caldecott
• Hula Hoop Contest – 3 students decided to stop together and tie for the win after 5 hours!
• Field Trips and More – Students have gone on various field trips and other experiences throughout the year;
The students (Emily and Tyson) and Mr. Curtis thanked the students of Central Elementary for a great year and thanked the Board and Administration for their continued support. The Board recognized the students for their public speaking abilities, noting that it’s not easy to come to a Board meeting and do what they just did and they should continue to build on that gift.
FINANCIAL ITEMS
29-23 Motion by Mr. Stoner, seconded by Mr. Schuster to approve the following financial items: 1. The minutes from the April regular meeting was approved 2. The monthly financial report for April 2023 was presented.
3. Approved the 5-Year Financial Forecast for FY23 through FY27.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Stoner, Mr. Schuster, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Whitney -----5 Nay: None -----0
Motion adopted.
PERSONNEL
30-23 Motion by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Dr. Gottschling to approve the following personnel items:
Certified:
Leave of Absence: Accepted Kayla Truax’s request for leave of absence for the 2023-2024 school year.
Retirement: Accepted Anne Petrie’s retirement as Junior High Science, effective at the end of 2022-2023 school year.
Resignations: Approved the following resignations:
Dave Kaple - High School Safety Monitor, effective January 3, 2023
Constance Jamieson - Junior High Safety Monitor, effective September 23, 2022
Employment: Approved the following for employment for the 2023-2024 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment requirements:
Meredith Cotterill - Pre-School Director, two-year contract, effective August 1, 2023
Jessica Duffey - 4th grade, Eastern, one-year contract, effective August 18, 2023
Gabe Sanchez - 6th grade, Eastern, one-year contract, effective August 18, 2023
Salary Adjustments: Approved the following salary adjustments:
Lindsey Brokaw - MA + 20 to MA + 30
Michelle Smith - ME to ME + 10
Stacy Davis - ME + 10 to ME + 20
Michelle Dreibelbis - BS + 10 to BS + 20
Teaching / Extended Service Contracts: Approved the following teaching / extended service contracts for 2023-2024:
Three Year Limited
Ryan Bastain
Jennifer Hooper
Melanie Stilson
Lindsey Brokaw
Heather Kapustar
Jeff Strickler
Kelli Dyer
Mike Kathrein
Kayla Truax
Amy Gerhardt
Chris Kmetz
Dan Wittmer
Jane Goodall
Jillian Noblet
Ryan Zahn
Heidi Roush
Two Year Limited
Kelli Catanese
Nathaniel Reiss
Kaitlyn Swartzmiller
Whitney Eibon
Jackie Rhodes
Jennifer Verspoor
Jennifer Morris
Gretchen Winner
One Year Limited
Megan Bechstein
Lana Hill
Luke Rogers
Addalyn Brown
Howard Hoffman
Lydia Severns
Jacob Brown
Aubrey Klink
Courtney ‘Jim’ Steele
Robin Dawson
Matt Lautanen
Reanna Sutherland
Bruce Dewey
Brittany Lieb
Matt Temple
Kelli Durbin
Lindsey Musille
Megan Thompson
Dairia Edmunds
Shannon Nicol
Ashley Webb
Christine Elder
Patrick O’Connell
Elisabeth Wells
Todd Galownia
Laura Pfeiffer
Jennifer Wells
Jami Gorrell
Kevin Richer
Janie Zeger
Continuing
Michelle Gilbert
Trisha Kist
Christy Thomas
Extended Service
Carolee Balliett Guidance
Whitney Eibon Guidance
Jennifer Law Guidance
Kristen McPeek Guidance
Leslie Miller Guidance
Emily Patterson Librarian
Supplemental Activities: Approved the following for supplemental contracts for 2023-2024:
HIGH SCHOOL
Rebecca Bigley - Student Council advisor - Prom co- advisor - Jr. Class co-advisor
Stephen Domka - Co-assistant. instrumental music director - Instrumental music director (musical)
Roxanne Drueschler - Leadership Council co-advisor
Whitney Eibon - IAT Co-chairperson
Diane Eifrid - Senior Class advisor
Sally Giefer - Academic challenge advisor - Informed Teens co-advisor - National Honor Society
Lana Hill - Assistant Marching Band Director
Jeni Houston - Yearbook advisor
Colin Howell - Co-assistant Instrumental Music Director - Assistant Marching Band Director
Aubrey Klink - Assistant Musical Director
Ryan Knuckles - LEOS Club advisor
Suzy McBride - Informed Teens co-advisor
Alyssa McCready - Key Club advisor
Kristen McPeek - IAT Co-chairperson - Homecoming ceremony advisor
Michelle Olecki - Mock Trial advisor
Jacob Poiner - Choir Director - Musical Director - Auditorium Stage Manager
Ashley Rebillot - MFE/ETR coordinator
Holly Rice - Homecoming ceremony advisor
Luke Rogers - Leadership Council co-advisor
Ali Webb - Prom co-advisor - Jr. Class co-advisor
Zak Wilkins - Instrumental Music director - Marching band director
Ryan Zahn - Math Club advisor
Montserrat Juarez Aguirre - Color guard advisor - Winter guard advisor
JUNIOR HIGH
Jen Berry - Math Counts
Jacob Brown - Safety Monitor (1/2 contract)
Bruce Dewey - Safety Monitor
Stephen Domka - Jr. High Orchestra
Mark Hoover - Yearbook advisor - Safety Monitor
Constance Jamieson - Safety Monitor (1/2 contract)
Jen Law - CACY co-advisor - IAT chairperson
Lisa Pfizenmayer - Academic Challenge co-advisor
Tommie Roseberry - Spelling Bee
Brittany Siringer - CACY co-advisor - MFE/ETR Chairperson
OPEN - Academic Challenge co-advisor
OPEN - Student Council advisor(s)
EASTERN
Jennifer Berry - Academic Challenge – 5th & 6th grade - Math Counts - Spelling Bee
Jamie Chambers - MFE/ETR chairperson
Amy Cleland - Bus Supervisor (PM)
Christine Elder - Robotics Club
Marsha Haas - IAT chairperson - Academic Challenge – 4th grade
Jennifer Hooper - Robotics Club
Valerie Hunter - Running Club
Katie Rogers - Student Council
Rhonda Tittle - Bus Supervisor (AM)
CENTRAL
Stephanie Blackstone - Bus Supervisor (PM)
Kelli Catanese - Spelling Bee – 3rd grade
Cheryl Longnecker - Bus Supervisor (AM) - IAT chairperson - MF/ETR chairperson
WESTERN
Kelli Dyer - Bus Supervisor
Julia Pilla - MFE/ETR chairperson - IAT chairperson
OPEN - Sub calling
PRE-SCHOOL
OPEN - Pre-K ETR chairperson
Classified:
Retirement: Accepted Junior High educational aide, Amy Campbell’s retirement, effective at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
Non-Certified Contracts: Approved the following non-certified contracts for the 2023-2024 school year:
EDUCATIONAL AIDES
Sue Galbraith - 2 year
Abby Goodman - 2 year
Kelli Parks - 2 year
Ashley Smith - 2 year
FOOD SERVICE
Shelley Harris - 2 year
Annescia Hite - 2 year
Jessica Kiger - 2 year
SECRETARIES
Tracy Pinkelman - Continuing
Jeni Reamsnider - Continuing
Elizabeth Vallance - 2 year
TRANSPORTATION
Jim Akers - 2 year
Larry Brightbill - 2 year
Don Calhoun (bus aide) - 2 year
Cheryl Fraizer - 2 year
Shelley Harris - 2 year
Zach Rinehart - 2 year
Matt Soria - 2 year
Stephen Smith - 2 year
Jody Vanegas - 2 year
Rick Wuchich - 2 year
OTHER BUSINESS:
Class of 2023: Approved the graduating class of 2023, as presented by Principal Jamie Masi, pending successful completion of all graduation requirements.
Diplomas: Approved Alyssa McCready as the staff member handing out diplomas at graduation, as voted on by the senior class.
Student Representative: Approved Jacob Halfhill as the 2023-2024 student Board Representative.
Tuition Students: Accepted the following tuition students for the 2023-2024 school year:
Adler Hatfield - Continuing, grade 11 (attending College Now)
Crew Hatfield - Continuing, grade 8
Bronson Brown - Continuing, grade 7
Benson Brown - Continuing, grade 3
Coaching Resignation: Accepted Teresa Alt’s resignation as junior high cross country coach.
Coaching Recommendation: Approved the following fall coaches for the 2023-2024 school year:
Gabrielle Stover - Head girls’ basketball coach
Denise Benson - Head cross country
Seth Cole - JV boys’ cross country
Tricia Volz - JV girls’ cross country
Stephanie Campbell - Junior High cross country
Andrew Saris - Head football
Jeff Strickler - Assistant football
Jamie Masi - Assistant football
Jacob Owens - Assistant football
Jim Steele - Assistant football (1/2 contract)
Dalton Fix - Assistant football (1/2 contract)
Michael Moore - Assistant football (1/2 contract)
Luke Rogers - Freshman football
Herb Harkness - Junior High football
Jacob Brown - Junior High football
Taylor Gerhardt - Junior High football
Ben Olewiler - JV boys’ golf
Mike Kathrein - Head girls’ golf
Kevin Morrow - JV girls’ golf
Pete Them - Head boys’ soccer
Jay Porter - JV boys’ soccer
Gage Potter - Freshman boys’ soccer
Eric Turlo - Volunteer boys’ soccer
Buck Morton - Head girls’ soccer
Roxanne Drueschler - JV girls’ soccer
Jansen Webster - Head girls’ tennis (60%)
Hayliegh Tucker - Co-Head girls’ tennis (40%)
Janelle Wyant - Head volleyball
Tricia Brown - JV volleyball
Sam Marcum - 7th grade volleyball
Maddie Hernstein - 8th grade volleyball
Pam Leasure - Varsity/JV cheerleading
Holli-Ann Anschutz - Freshman cheerleading
Crystal Harris - Junior High cheerleading
Noelle Morris - Volunteer cheer assistant
Misty Taylor - Volunteer cheer assistant
Nate West - Volunteer football assistant
Heidi Roush - Junior High cross country
Summer Employment: Approved Hally Pinkelman for summer employment as a painter in the Maintenance Department, effective June 5, 2023.
Technology Summer Help: Approved Kayla Pham for summer employment in the Tech Department, effective June 8 – August 22.
Orchestra Pit Musicians: Approved payment to the following orchestra pit musicians for the Into The Woods. Payments to be made from the Drama Club account:
Carla Colon, Flute - $ 420.00
Pam Ellis, Clarinet - $ 350.00
Jane Price, Bassoon - $ 350.00
Cindy Heidlebaugh, Horn $ 350.00
Matt Domka - $ 350.00
Stephanie Hill, Violin - $ 350.00
Alora Eyerly, Violin - $ 300.00
Doug Domka, Viola - $ 350.00
Lindsay Brown, Cello - $ 350.00
McCray Martin, Synthesizer $ 300.00
Total $3,470.00
Substitute List: Approved the revised Lexington substitute lists dated April 19, 2023 as presented by MOESC.
NEOnet: Approved the agreement with NEOnet which has now merged with NCOCC.
Mid-Ohio ESC Preschool Lease: Approved the lease agreement with Mid-Ohio ESC for preschool space for the period July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026.
Knox County ESC: Approved service agreement with Knox County ESC for overflow preschool, therapy, and other student services, as needed, for the 2023-2024 school year.
Mr. Secrist, Mr. Masi, and Mr. Eichorn introduced Gabby Stover, who was in attendance, as the new girls’ basketball coach, noting her passion and the excitement throughout the program heading into next year. The Board welcomed Gabby and noted they were excited to have her leading the program.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Roberts, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Schuster, Mr. Stoner, Mr. Whitney ----5 Nay: None ----0
Motion adopted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
31-23 Motion by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Stoner, to enter into executive session consider the appointment, employment, promotion, or compensation of a public employee or official.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Roberts, Mr. Stoner, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Schuster, Mr. Whitney-----------5 Nay: None----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------0 Motion adopted.
Time entered: 7:35 p.m.
Returned to regular session: 7:50 p.m.
Discussion
1. Haring Realty and New Day Creative – Mr. Secrist shared with the Board that Haring Realty and New Day Creative would like to work on a feature that would be available to prospective home buyers that tells the story of Lexington Schools and provides other various information, photos, and videos of the school if they click on a house within the school district. The Board indicated support noting they like to tell the story of Lexington Schools as much as possible.
2. OCC Update – Mr. Secrist, Mr. Masi, and Mr. Eichorn provided the Board with an update on the OCC, including recent and upcoming meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
32-23 Motion by Mr. Schuster seconded by Dr. Gottschling to adjourn. 8:27 p.m.
Roll Call – Yea: Mr. Schuster, Dr. Gottschling, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Stoner, Mr. Whitney ----5 Nay: None ----0
Motion adopted.
Certificate Section 5705.412, Ohio Revised Code It is hereby certified that the Lexington Local School District Board of Education, Richland County, Ohio, has sufficient funds to meet the contract agreement, obligation, payment or expenditure for the above, and has in effect for the remainder of the fiscal year and succeeding fiscal year the authorization to levy taxes which, when combined with the estimated revenue from all other sources available to the district at the time of certification, are sufficient to provide operating revenues necessary to enable the district to operate an adequate educational program on all days set forth in its adopted school calendar for the current fiscal year and for a number of days in the succeeding fiscal year equal to the number of day’s instruction was or is scheduled for the current fiscal year.
Treasurer_______________________________
President_______________________________
Superintendent __________________________
