By Paula Pyzik Scott
The Ada Schools Board of Education met on November 21 with this attached agenda including administration reports, monthly financial report and the twice-annual 5-year financial forecast. Board member Justin Hollon reported on attending two days of the OSBA Capital Conference and Trade Show.
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
High School Principal Dan Lee encouraged the board to take a look at the Science Fair for 7th graders, which was also being held that evening. He noted that this is a big project with weeks of preparation and a presentation to adults and people they don’t know. He called it a “good adversity” experience.
He also reported on band and Varsity Singers competitions, the annual Music Feast show choir even and Veterans Breakfast, thanking all of the volunteers and students who assist with these programs.
Lee noted that 20+ students are being assisted with a new backpack food program for the upper grades that provides students with food for weekends. The new program is supported by Honda, an anonymous donor and the Hardin County United Way.
Elementary Principal Angela Maag reported on Nov. 1 Fall Parties that she hoped sent students home tired. She said the teachers and the many parents who assisted certainly went home tired.
Students enjoyed being the audience for a two preschool Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades.
TREASURER
Kim Light provided the monthly financial report. She noted that income tax payments were slightly over where they should be and that expenses were on target or slightly under.
Light also provided a 5-year forecast, which is required by the State of Ohio two times each year.
As noted in past presentations, the State of Ohio requires a 5-year forecast but only provides a 2-year budget. Therefore Ada Schools use a flat funding model that currently results in a forecast of deficit spending beginning in 2028.
Light hopes for a full phase-in of Fair School Funding (signed into law in 2021). She also expects challenges to future revenue and noted that Ada is close to the 20 mill floor for property tax income. She noted there is discussion in the legislature about changing the 20 mill floor.
Other notes:
- Wages and benefits will total about 79.24% of expenditures.
- ESSR (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) dollars have finished. Some teachers were paid for pandemic learning loss services from this source.
- Planning fo strategic transfers for Capital outlays such as the elementary roof, buses and technology.
NEW BUSINESS
An electric service bid and school bus purchase were approved unanimously with no discussion.
The board approved eight items recommended by the superintendent including substitute teachers, aids, cafeteria workers, secretaries, drivers and nurses. Eight supplemental contracts were approved: one mentor and seven coaching positions.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Julie Simmons reported that K-12 Assistant Principal Britton Devier has graduated from this year’s Hardin County Leadership class.
She turned the floor over to board member Juston Hollon for a report on the Ohio School Boards Association conference earlier in the month. Hollon attended two days and detailed four sessions that he attended on school finances, skills coaching, chronic absenteeism and when school funding issues fail at the polls.
The next board of education meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on December 19.
A 5:00 p.m. organizational meeting on January 15 was scheduled.
