Prior to the January 11 study session, the Springfield Local school board held an organizational meeting. They appointed Ken Musch as president of the board and Ev Harris as vice president.
Superintendent Matt Geha expressed appreciation to outgoing board president Rachel Geiger. “I want to thank Rachel for her work this past year,” he said.
Several appointments were made. Mrs. Geiger will serve as the legislative liaison and Mr. Harris as student achievement liaison. Board member Sherri Koback will be the representative to Penta Career Center, and serving on the records commission this year will be Treasurer Ryan Lockwood, Mr. Geha and Mr. Musch.
In addition, members agreed to be the board attendee for the following committees: facilities and grounds–Mr. Harris; curriculum, testing and state report card–Dr. Tanya Baldwin; safety and technology–Mrs. Geiger; transportation and food service–Mrs. Koback, and finance, master planning and district profile–Mr. Musch.
As part of the organizational meeting, the board also renewed Spengler Nathanson as general legal counsel and the firms of Squire Patton Boggs and Dinsmore and Shohl as bond counsel.
In other organizational matters, the board chose the superintendent, assistant superintendent and treasurer as delegates for the school board, speaking on their behalf as needed.
In addition, meeting dates were established for this year. Study sessions will take place the second Wednesday and regular meetings will be the fourth Wednesday of each month with the exception of the November and December regular meetings. [See box on page 2 for dates and times].
Personnel
The board took action on a number of personnel matters.
They approved changes of hours for Laurie Mueller, from 5 to 8 hours district float custodian; Abby Sutherland, 5.25 to 5 hours bus aide, and Jeffery Winters, from 4.25 to 4.50 hours bus driver.
The board approved a leave of absence through the end of the school year for Carol Justen, Dorr 3.5 hours food service.
A pupil activity permit was awarded to Trent Bond, SHS junior varsity basketball assistant coach.
Retirements were approved for Tammy Mansfield, SHS intervention specialist, effective July 31; Stephen Mortemore, SHS girls head soccer coach, January 6, and Nick Liggett, bus mechanic, March 1.
Mr. Geha noted that Mr. Liggett “has been here since 1999 and is a wonderful individual who kept the fleet rolling.”
Resignations also were accepted for Amber Ferguson, substitute teacher, effective January 17; Todd Reitz, substitute teacher and SHS junior varsity assistant boys basketball coach, December 20; Danielle Walker, substitute teacher and secretary, December 22, and Laurie Mueller, Crissey recess monitor, January 3.
The board of education hired three substitute teachers. They are Samantha Habusta, Shiloh Reynolds and Philip Witker.
They also awarded stipends to Brianna Mitchell, SMS academic tutoring director; Russell Hanna, Shoupra Shikwana, Kimberly Peterman, Margaret Christie and Anabel Alexander, SMS academic tutors; Lauren Jacoby, Noel Pendry and Brooke Heuerman, ACT prep tutors, and Janette Cooper, academic tutor.
A supplemental contract was awarded to Michael Blessing, SHS JROTC assistant coach exhibition/regulation drill team.
Other Business
In other business, the school board:
•Renewed membership in the Ohio School Boards Association for 2023 at a cost of $7,942.
•Approved participation in the school-based behavioral health, consultation, and pre vention programs with OhioGuidestone (previously Renewed Minds), effective December 16.
•Accepted donations from Blessings in Disguise, $500, and First Baptist Church, $200, to cover negative lunch balances.
•Approved five requests to attend professional development seminars.
The next school board meeting will be at 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, at the Springfield administration building, 6900 Hall Street, Holland, and is open to the public.
