By Paula Scott
On May 25, the last day of the 2022-2023 School year, a slightly abbreviated Ada School Board—minus member Amy Mullins—held a regular meeting at the Board Chambers. (Meeting packet.)
After a brief executive session to consider employment, the board heard from two Ada High School Students who presented ideas for the 2023-2024 school year.
SarahLynn Myers made a request that students be allowed to paint reserved parking spots. She suggested that spots paid for by the Class of 2024 would be a fundraising opportunity. The spots would be covered up at the end of the year. Myers pointed to the example of Cory Rawson Schools.
Katie Sizemore also spoke to the board, presenting student interest in decorating graduation caps. She said that this could be done in a way that would keep the ceremony respectful and that there would need to be rules and regulations. She encouraged the board to consider the idea as a way to spread school spirit.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Principals Dan Lee and Jeremy Clark made reports on recent activities and the end of the school year. Lee described the last month for middle and high school students as “a sprint” filled with awesome traditions including prom, small animals day and Spring Fever Follies. Students made trips to Camp Cotubic and to Cedar Point.
Jeremy Clark reviewed events including Arbor Day celebrations, Hero Day at Lima Mall and Elementary Field Day. He thanked staff, the community, board, and students for their welcome, saying he was “Made to feel like he’s been here a long time.”
Clark also made a report for K-12 Assistant Britton Devier, noting that during the year there were 458 discipline referrals and 513 positive behavior referrals.
Miranda Shephard, the new High School secretary was introduced to the board.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Fiscal officer Kim Light presented the financial report, noting that final revenue numbers were a little higher than appropriated, but that overall expenses and revenue were in a good place. (Details attached.)
Light presented the following reports to the board:
A. Balance of Funds
B. Monthly Check Register
C. Investment Schedule
D. Monthly Bank Reconciliation
E. Income Tax Revenue, Line 1.030 FY 2023
F. Scholarship Recommendations - 2023
G. Budget Modifications for YF '23 - May 25, 2023
H. Five Year Forecast 2023-2027
NEW BUSINESS
In new business, without discussion, the board approved the following items:
Salary adjustments of a 2% increase for the positions of Cafeteria Supervisor, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and High School/Middle School Principal.
A resolution for the renewal of an existing permanent improvement levy.
A resolution for the Ada Public Library for the renewal of a tax levy.
The employment of a special education officer/federal programs coordinator for the 2023-2024 school year.
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
Superintendent Robin VanBuskirk presented 27 items A-AA (beginning on page 5 of the attached packet). The items included pay dates, certified and classified contracts, administrative contracts, supplemental contracts, the list of seniors for graduation, food service snack prices, service agreements and student handbook changes.
Board member Ted Griffith made a motion to approve all items except L,
Griffith motion to approve all except L, supplemental contracts for the 2023-2024 school year. This item includes 37 coaching positions and 52 advisors and chairs.
Kim Light coordinated splitting the recommendations into three motions: A-K, L, and M-AA. All three motions were approved with Griffith voting no on L. He commented that “we need to show the community what we are going to do to improve our athletic department… Something on paper.”
SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS
Robin VanBuskirk thanked the staff, students, administrative team, noting that it had been “a quick year,” and that she appreciated the hard work.
The next meeting of the school board was set for 6:00 p.m. on June 29.
At 5:55 p.m. the board went into an executive session with no action expected.
