ARTICLE UPDATED with staff notes.
The Ada Board of Education met for approximately one hour on Thursday, November 18. Related documents: 1) agenda and 2) minutes approved for the October 21, 2021 meeting, 3) staff notes linked here are also attached below.
MEETING SUMMARY
The meeting was held in board chambers at 725 W North Ave. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by board president Matt Gossman.
Hearing of the Public on the Use of ARP IDEA Part B Funds
During the public hearing, Robin VanBuskirk, Director of Teaching and Learning, explained that funds were received (amount undisclosed) to meet the needs of pre-school and school aged children with disabilities. An undisclosed amount has been earmarked for updating technology and materials for after school programs.
A visitor asked if these funds could be used to help students experiencing anxiety.
Hearing of the Public/Visitors/Commendations
A member of the public asked the board to reconsider the requirement for students to wear face masks on the bus. A member of the public commented that traffic during pickup and drop off was difficult to navigate and asked if more signs or a traffic director could be provided.
Special reports
Reports were provided by the following administrators:
Robin VanBuskirk, Director of Teaching and Learning: Comments included that STAR reading assessment scores are increasing overall. The study table is supported by 6-8 Ohio Northern University volunteers. Thanked Larry Claypool for his assistance as interim superintendent.
Dan Lee, High School-Middle School Principal: Comments included the return of annual Music Feast, Marching Band received first State-level 1 rating in school history. Football player Jeremy Cameron received an Honorable Mention in the Northwest Conference. The quiz bowl team placed second in the NWC Scholastic Bowl.
Ben Thaxton, Elementary School Principal: Comments included staff member Arlene Allison has been named Ada Distinguished Citizen of 2021. Literacy Night in October was very successful. Book Fair will continue through parent-teacher conferences.
Tim Garmon, Transportation and Maintenance Supervisor: Comments included that in 18 days since cameras have been installed on school buses, 9 citations have been issued for drivers running the red flashing lights.
Financial Report
The financial report was reviewed by Treasurer Kim Light and unanimously approved by the board. No dollar amounts were disclosed in the discussion of:
Balance of Funds, Monthly Check Register, Investment Schedule, Monthly Bank Reconciliation, INcome Tax REvenue, Lin 1.030 FY 2022, Presentation and Approval of Five Year Forecast 2022-2026, Disposal of Assets in Accordance with Board Policies 7300 and 7310, FY 2021 Audit Update.
Light noted that funds from tax filings were delayed by the pandemic and that Income Tax levels are starting to return to earlier levels. The FY 2021 audit will include field work through December and the report is expected in February 2022.
New Business
Resolution A was approved unanimously, authorizing the employment of substitute teachers who do not hold post-secondary degrees.
Superintendent’s Recommendations
The board unanimously approved the following recommendations by Larry Claypool:
Approve resignation of Robin VanBuskirk as Director of Teaching and Learning.
Approve retroactively certified and classified substitute teachers for 2021-2022: Jack Daniels, Tiara Douce, Taylor Shellhammer.
Approve agreement with the Allen County Educational Service Center for 2021-2022.
Approve volunteer bus driver Ben Thaxton.
Approve teachers Laura Ayers, Kurt Klingler and Scott Henning for the 2021-2022 after school program.
This was the last meeting for Claypool as interim superintendent, who received a commendation from the board.
Meeting Dates
Meeting dates were established for 6 p.m. on December 16, 2021 and 6 p.m. on January 13.
