Highland Local School District - Regular Meeting

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the minutes for the September 10, 2025 Regular Board of Education Meeting as presented.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the September 2025 Financial Statements as presented.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      
 

In order for the Board to fulfill its obligation to complete the planned agenda in an effective and efficient manner, a maximum of 30 minutes of public participation may be permitted at each meeting.
Each person addressing the Board shall give his/her name. If several people wish to speak, each person is allotted three minutes until the total time of 30 minutes has elapsed. During that period, no person may speak twice until all who desire to speak have had the opportunity. Persons desiring more time should follow procedure of the Board to be placed on the regular agenda. The period of public participation may be extended by a vote of the majority of the Board present and voting.

• Mr. Ross Porter

WHEREAS, as a public board of education may hold an executive session only after a majority of a quorum of this board determines by a roll call vote to hold such a session and only at a regular or special meeting for the sole purpose of the consideration of any of the following matters:

A. Consideration of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official.

B. Investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee, official, licensee, or student unless such employee, official, licensee, or student requests a public meeting; except that consideration of the discipline of a Board member for conduct related to the performance of their duties or their removal from office shall not be held in executive session.

C. Consideration of the purchase of property for public purposes, or sale or other disposition of unneeded, obsolete, unfit-for-use property at competitive bidding, if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage to a person whose personal, private interest is adverse to the general public interest.

D. Discussion with the Board's legal counsel of disputes involving the Board that are the subject of pending or imminent court action.

E. Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of employment.

F. Matters required to be confidential by Federal law or regulations or State statutes.

G. Specialized details of security arrangements and emergency response protocols where disclosure might reveal information that could jeopardize the District's security.

H. Consideration of confidential information related to the marketing plans, specific business strategy, production techniques, trade secrets, or personal financial statements of an applicant for economic development assistance, or to negotiations with other political subdivisions respecting requests for economic development assistance, provided that both of the following conditions apply:
    1. The information is directly related to a request for economic development assistance that is to be provided or administered under one of the statutes referenced in R.C. 121.22(G)(8)(1), or that involves public infrastructure improvements or the extension of utility services that are directly related to an economic development project, and

    2. An unanimous quorum of the Board or its subcommittee determines, by a roll call vote, that the executive session is necessary to protect the interests of the applicant or the possible investment or expenditure of public funds to be made in connection with the economic development project.
Therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Highland Local Board of Education, by a majority of the quorum present at this meeting, does hereby declare its intention to hold an executive session on item(s) as listed above.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve retirement letters from the following personnel.

Penny Coyan        ES Building Cook    (Effective November 1, 2025)

Denise Stillwell      HS Administrative Assistant    (Effective June 1, 2026)

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to accept the following letter of resignation.

Brittany Renwick         ES Custodian

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the FMLA requests for the following personnel.

Kelsey Ware    MS Teacher    

John Gifford    ES Teacher    

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following classified substitutes.

Cindy Sanders     Cook/Cashier

Shelby Longshore     Paraprofessional/Cook/Cashier

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following classified contracts for one year.

Rosanna Mason    Paraprofessional 2 (HS/ES Split)    Step 0    (Effective 10-1-25)

Brittany Renwick    Building Cook    Step 0    (Effective 9-30-25)

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve an agreement with The Renhill Group for hiring supplementals as needed.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following supplemental contracts.

Kayla Arthurs Elementary Vocal Music Director (9 years)

Brianne Jaynes MS Student Council (2 years)

Jordan Kennedy HS Student Council (4 years)

Jordan Kennedy HS Website (4 years)

Corey Strinka Play Director (3 years)

Corey Strinka Art Play Director (3 years)

Kara Banbury Yearbook (9+ years)

Shawn Wilhelm High School Robotics (6 years)

Syanne Palmer Spanish Club (3 years)

Brian Wetzel Middle School Robotics (2 years)

Michael Miller    Middle School Robotics Assistant (0 Years)

Julie McLeod    High School Robotics Assistant (2 Years Split) - through The Renhill Group

Tyler DeWesse    High School Robotics Assistant (1 Year Split)

Syanne Palmer National Honors Society (3 years)

Mari Miller Art Club (9+ years)

Cait Nelson Horticulture Club (3 year)

Corey Strinka Drama Club    (0 Years)

Tom Haring After School Assistance (1^st Semester)

Amber Billings After School Assistance (1^st Semester)

Shannon Belcher After School Assistance (2^nd Semester)

Chad Carpenter HS Fitness Coordinator (Fall) (0 Years)

Katie Pauley Senior Advisor (9+ years)

Elena Manning Junior Advisor (2 years)

Elena Manning Sophomore Advisor (2 years)

Shannon Belcher Freshman Advisor (9+ years)

Kara Banbury District Social Media (6 years)

Amy Arnett-Tomasek Pep Band (7 years)

Michelle Hudson HS Testing Coordinator (Hourly Rate)

Angel Cahall Business Professionals of America (3 years)

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following personnel for a supplemental contract.

Ryan Stover    HS Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach    (7 Years)

Anthony Wilson    HS Boys JV Basketball Head Coach    (9+ Years)

Jordan Bellamy    Boys Basketball Volunteer (middle school only)

Garrett Fitzpatrick    Boys Basketball Volunteer

Tony Kanagy        8th Grade Boys Head Basketball Coach    (0 Years)

Cooper Young      7th Grade Boys Head Basketball Coach    (0 Years)

Matt Bradley    HS Girls Head Basketball Coach    (9+ Years)

Matt Downing    HS Girls Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach   (9+ Years)

Brett Behnfeldt    JV Girls Head Basketball Coach    (9+ Years)

Bryleigh Young    8th Grade Girls Head Basketball Coach    (0 Years)

Brooke Squires    7th Grade Girls Head Basketball Coach    (1 Year)  

Adam Gilmore    HS Head Wrestling Coach    (9+ Years)

Alec Fulwider    Varsity Assistant Wrestling Coach    (2 Years Split Contract)

Cameron May    Varsity Assistant Wrestling Coach    (2 Years Split Contract)

Tristan Hinkle    MS Head Wrestling Coach    (3 Years)

Luke Clemens    HS Head Girls Wrestling Coach    (9+ Years)

Katelyn Zellner    MS Assistant Wrestling Coach    (3 Years)

Remington Baker    Volunteer Wrestling Coach

Dawn Hicks    HS Head Girls Bowling Coach    (6 Years) - through The Renhill Group

Ty Hicks    HS Head Boys Bowling Coach    (6 Years)

Christy Barnett    HS/MS Head Cheer Coach     (8 Years)

Chris Rupe        Winter Facilities Coordinator

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following supplemental contract.

Payton Woodruff    Winter Facilities Coordinator

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the termination of the HVAC Maintenance Assistant contract and approve following non-teaching personnel contract per the adopted salary schedule.

Carl Hardwick          HVAC Maintenance         Step 2    (Effective 10-16-25)

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker       

Resolution to approve the termination of the Treasurer's current contract and approve a new contract beginning 11/1/2025.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to authorize and direct the Treasurer to place notice in the Morrow County Sentinel giving public notice in accordance with Section 3309.345 of the Ohio Revised Code that the Board of Education will hold a public meeting on the issue of re-employing Penny Coyan.  Public notice must list the date and location of the meeting.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the Mid Ohio ESC Substitute Teacher List.  

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the trip proposal for the Spanish Club to travel to Spain and France in the summer of 2027.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following overnight trips.

Robotics        Kalahari Resort Sandusky    January 23 - 24

Robotics        Wheeling, WV    January 29 - 31

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following appointment to the Selover Public Library.

Hudson Ray

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the first reading of the following board policy updates.

PO2266 - NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES

PO2431 - INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

PO3130 - ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER

PO5130 - WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

PO5136 - PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

PO5200 - ATTENDANCE

PO5223 - RELEASED TIME FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

PO5410 - PROMOTION, ACADEMIC ACCELERATION, PLACEMENT, AND RETENTION

PO6325 - PROCUREMENT - FEDERAL GRANTS/FUNDS

PO6830 - AUDIT

PO7540.02 - DIGITAL CONTENT AND ACCESSIBILITY (Formerly: WEB ACCESSIBILITY, CONTENT, APPS, AND SERVICES)

PO7541 - ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING DISASTER RECOVERY PLAN 

PO8300 - CONTINUITY OF ORGANIZATIONAL OPERATIONS PLAN

PO8305 - INFORMATION SECURITY

PO8400 - SCHOOL SAFETY

PO8462 - STUDENT ABUSE AND NEGLECT

PO8640 - TRANSPORTATION FOR NON-ROUTINE TRIPS

PO9270 -  EQUIVALENT EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE SCHOOLS & PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR FOR STUDENTS NOT ENROLLED IN THE DISTRICT

PO1422 - NONDISCRIMINATION, EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY, AND ANTI-HARASSMENT

PO1422.02 - NONDISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENETIC INFORMATION OF THE EMPLOYEE

PO1623 - SECTION 504/ADA PROHIBITION AGAINST DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

PO1662 - ANTI-HARASSMENT

PO2260 - NONDISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS TO EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

PO2260.01 - SECTION 504/ADA PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BASED ON DISABILITY

PO3122 - NONDISCRIMINATION, EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY, AND ANTI-HARASSMENT

PO3122.02 - NONDISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENETIC INFORMATION OF THE EMPLOYEE

PO3123 - SECTION 504/ADA PROHIBITION AGAINST DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

PO3362 - ANTI-HARASSMENT

PO4122 - NONDISCRIMINATION, EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY, AND ANTI-HARASSMENT

PO4122.02 - NONDISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENETIC INFORMATION OF THE EMPLOYEE

PO4123 - SECTION 504/ADA PROHIBITION AGAINST DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT

PO4362 - ANTI-HARASSMENT

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the ala carte and extra items prices.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the transfer of $1,633.30 from the Hall of Fame bank account into the District's general bank account to become accounted for and the responsibility of the District to administer.  Further, to approve the creation of the following fund and special cost center.

• Highland Athletic Hall of Fame        Fund: 300    SCC: 9800

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the Marsh Foundation Music Grant in the amount of $1,250 and the creation of the following funds and SCCs.

• Marsh Foundation Music Grant        Fund: 019    SCC: 9326
• Middle School Robotics (Worlds)     Fund: 200    SCC: 9618
• High School Robotics (Worlds)        Fund: 200    SCC: 9619

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve a transfer in the amount of $5,012.04 from the MS Robotics account into the new MS Robotics (Worlds) account:

• Fund: 200        SCC: 9608        ($5,012.04)
• Fund: 200        SCC: 9618         $5,012.04

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the following purpose and budget clauses.

• HS Robotics
• MS Robotics

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the Cigna medical insurance proposal for calendar year 2026 with board and employee % contributions to remain at the % contributions rates utilized for calendar year 2025, including HRA and HSA board amounts.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the revised Appendix A related to fund 070 to account for the Slack Center renovation.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the revised FY2026 fund level appropriations and estimated resources.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to approve the October 2025 Five Year Forecast as presented.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

WHEREAS, as a public board of education may hold an executive session only after a majority of a quorum of this board determines by a roll call vote to hold such a session and only at a regular or special meeting for the sole purpose of the consideration of any of the following matters:

A. Consideration of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official.

B. Investigation of charges or complaints against a public employee, official, licensee, or student unless such employee, official, licensee, or student requests a public meeting; except that consideration of the discipline of a Board member for conduct related to the performance of their duties or their removal from office shall not be held in executive session.

C. Consideration of the purchase of property for public purposes, or sale or other disposition of unneeded, obsolete, unfit-for-use property at competitive bidding, if premature disclosure of information would give an unfair competitive or bargaining advantage to a person whose personal, private interest is adverse to the general public interest.

D. Discussion with the Board's legal counsel of disputes involving the Board that are the subject of pending or imminent court action.

E. Preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of employment.

F. Matters required to be confidential by Federal law or regulations or State statutes.

G. Specialized details of security arrangements and emergency response protocols where disclosure might reveal information that could jeopardize the District's security.

H. Consideration of confidential information related to the marketing plans, specific business strategy, production techniques, trade secrets, or personal financial statements of an applicant for economic development assistance, or to negotiations with other political subdivisions respecting requests for economic development assistance, provided that both of the following conditions apply:
    1. The information is directly related to a request for economic development assistance that is to be provided or administered under one of the statutes referenced in R.C. 121.22(G)(8)(1), or that involves public infrastructure improvements or the extension of utility services that are directly related to an economic development project, and

    2. An unanimous quorum of the Board or its subcommittee determines, by a roll call vote, that the executive session is necessary to protect the interests of the applicant or the possible investment or expenditure of public funds to be made in connection with the economic development project.
Therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Highland Local Board of Education, by a majority of the quorum present at this meeting, does hereby declare its intention to hold an executive session on item(s) as listed above.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker      

Resolution to adjourn this meeting and schedule the next meeting of the Highland Local School District Board of Education to be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the middle school robotics room.

Roll Call: Kathy Belcher       Burgess Castle       John Messmer       William Short       Eric Thacker