The Springfield board of education took action on a number of matters at the regular meeting on February 14 and a special meeting two days later.
At the latter meeting the board entered executive session to consider the employment of a Springfield High School instructor.
Following the executive session, the board authorized an agreement with and resignation of Jennifer Ruziscka, effective February 22.
An instructor with the district for 28 years, Ms. Ruziscka was placed on administrative leave on January 26 following allegations of “conduct unbecoming of a professional educator.”
In a February 20 telephone interview, Superintendent Matt Geha said a report will be sent to the Ohio Department of Education, but there will be no other action taken by the district.
At the regular meeting, two days prior, the board welcomed new member Dr. Donald Sigman.
Treasurer Ryan Lockwood administered the oath of office to Dr. Sigman, who will serve a two-year term.
A special election will be held in November 2025 to fill the remaining two years of the term vacated by Rachel Geiger, who was recently appointed a Springfield Township trustee.
The school board also acted on a number of personnel issues.
They accepted resignations from Marjorie Jackson, effective January 29, and Shelby Randall-Close, February 1, both substitute teachers.
Substitute teaching contracts were awarded to Susan Muller, who retired from SLS last year, and Joscelin Reineke.
A change in hours was granted for Sierra Martin, from 3.5 to 7 hours, SHS food service.
In addition a change in assignment was approved for Lisa Meeker from Holland Intermediate and SMS literacy coach to Holland Intermediate fourth grade ELA teacher.
Samantha Bell was moved from Crissey and Holloway STEAM to Holland Intermediate STEAM teacher.
Noralyn Sutherland was moved from Holland Intermediate to Crissey Elementary art teacher.
Involuntary reassignments were approved for Rachel Haubert from Dorr and Holloway to Holloway art teacher; Jason Kaczmarek from Crissey and Holloway to Holloway art, and Kelly Nottingham from Dorr and Holland Intermediate to Holland Intermediate STEAM teacher.
Personal service contracts were awarded for the SHS spring play to Terrie Murphy, costumer; Leah Schwan, vocal director and pit musician, and Anisa Warr, publicity.
The board issued 19 pupil activity permit contracts to Michael Campbell, SHS track and field head coach; Katie Crago, SHS associate athletic director; Mike Fink, SHS boys tennis head coach; Jamie Fletcher, SHS boys volleyball assistant coach; Rob Gwozdz, SHS softball head coach; Chelsea Haas, SHS JV softball assistant coach; Mike Haas, SHS varsity softball assistant coach; James Howe, Jiana Jin, Mike Shull and Steve Wilkes, SHS track and field assistant coaches; Lorine Koepke, SHS gymnastics volunteer coach; Brad Konrad, change of assignment from SHS associate athletic director to assistant athletic director; Eleanor Kosek and Jewel Rollins, SHS track and field position coaches; Chris Mendieta, SHS freshman baseball assistant coach; Timothy Neuhaus and Chris Burns, SHS JV baseball assistant coach; Dave Whitmire, SHS baseball head coach.
Stipends were awarded to four instructors who are conducting kindergarten screening from June 4 to 6. They are Lara Gromes, Jenna Hartz, Jennifer Schupp and Sarah Vaughn. Julie Zaper will receive a stipend for the third grade Springfield Reads program. Other Business In other business, the school board:
•Approved the expenditure of $5,566 to Cummins Interstate Power Inc. for emergency repairs to a bus and payment of $8,860 to Snapwiz Inc. for curriculum software.
•Accepted a check for $3,283 from the Holland Springfield Chamber of Commerce for the district’s career technical education programs.
“Thank you very much,” said Ev Harris, board president. “We appreciate anything that helps our schools out.”
•Approved the LearnWell Service agreement for a student in need.
•Heard a presentation from middle school administrators about events taking place at the school and programs offered to students.
•Approved four requests to attend professional development days.
The next board of education meeting will be at 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, in the board room at the administrative complex, 6924 Spring Valley Drive, Holland, and is open to the public.
