Highland Local School District - Regular Meeting

1. Call to Order
President

Minutes

Mr. Messmer called the meeting to order at 6 pm.


2. Pledge of Allegiance
President

Minutes

Mr. Messmer led the Pledge of Allegiance.


3. Roll Call
President

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Mr. Messmer called roll.  All members present.


4. Approve Minutes

Resolution to approve the minutes for the March 11, 2026 Regular Board of Education Meeting and March 31, 2026 Special Board of Education Meeting as presented.


Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-082 Approve Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Lynn Baldwin, Member

Seconded: Nate Clark, Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

5. Approve Financial Statements
Mr. Fleming

Resolution to approve the March 2026 Financial Statements as presented.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-083 Approve Financial Statements

Result: Approved

Motioned: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Kathy Belcher, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

6. Public Participation
Community

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.

Minutes

Mrs. Fitzpatrick addressed the BOE about personnel concerns.

Ms. Burton addressed the BOE about homeschool and elective classes.

Mr. Stambaugh addressed the BOE about messaging on social media.

Mr. Johnson addressed the BOE about past financial times.

Ms. Hammond addressed the BOE about HYSO, usage of facilities, and potential storage for HYSO items.

Ms. Kroy addressed the BOE seeking clarification about finances.

Ms. Morr addressed the BOE about preschool tuition concerns.


7. Accept Retirement Letters From Personnel

Resolution to approve the following retirements

Denise Stillwell    HS Administrative Assistant    (Effective 7-1-2026)

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-084 Accept Retirement Letters From Personnel

Result: Approved

Motioned: Nate Clark, Member

Seconded: John Messmer, Board President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

8. Accept Resignation Letters From Personnel

Resolution to accept the following resignations

Barb Horton    ES Cook/Cashier    (Effective 3-22-26)

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-085 Accept Resignation Letters From Personnel

Result: Approved

Motioned: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Nate Clark, Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

9. Approve Classified Subs

Resolution to approve the following classified substitutes

Stephanie Shaw    Custodian and Cook/Cashier

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-086 Approve Classified Subs

Result: Approved

Motioned: Lynn Baldwin, Member

Seconded: John Messmer, Board President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

10. Approve Mid Ohio ESC Teacher Substitute List

Resolution to approve the Mid Ohio ESC teacher substitute list.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-087 Approve Mid-Ohio ESC Teacher Substitute List

Result: Approved

Motioned: Kathy Belcher, Board Member

Seconded: Lynn Baldwin, Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice President  X
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

11. Approve FMLA

Resolution to approve FMLA for the attached list of eligible employees.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-088 Approve FMLA

Result: Approved

Motioned: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Nate Clark, Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

12. Approve Scholarships and Awards

Resolution to approve scholarship payments and awards payments as awarded and documented by the guidance department via fund 029.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-89 Approve Scholarships and Awards

Result: Approved

Motioned: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Kathy Belcher, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

13. Approve Board Policy Changes

Resolution to approve the following board policy updates

PO 2431.06       Name Image Likeness (NIL)

PO 3440            Job Related Expenses

PO 4440            Job Related Expenses

PO 5112            Entrance Requirements

PO 5421            Grading

PO 5430            Class Rank

PO 6220            Budget Preparation

PO 6320            Purchasing and Bidding

PO 6325            Procurement: Federal Grants/Funds

PO 6423            Use of Credit Cards

PO 6425            Use of District Tax Exempt Certificate

PO 6460            Vendor Relations

PO 6465            Affinity, Rewards, or Other Discount Programs

PO 7540.09       Artificial Intelligence

General Fund Cash Balance Reserve

 

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer        

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-090 Approve Board Policy Changes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Lynn Baldwin, Member

Seconded: John Messmer, Board President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

14. META Solutions Master Services Agreement

Resolution to approve the Master Service Agreement with META Solutions for fiscal year 2027.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-091 META Solutions Master Services Agreement

Result: Approved

Motioned: John Messmer, Board President

Seconded: Nate Clark, Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

15. College Credit Plus MOU - Columbus State CC

Resolution to approve entering into an MOU with Columbus State CC for college credit plus tuition and fees/school district book processes.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-092 College Credit Plus MOU - Columbus State CC

Result: Approved

Motioned: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Kathy Belcher, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

16. ODOT Salt Contract Participation

Resolution authorizing participation in the ODOT road salt contracts awarded for the 2026-2027 year (tonnage 120).

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-093 ODOT Salt Contract Participation

Result: Approved

Motioned: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Kathy Belcher, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

17. Approve Buckeye Asphalt - West Campus

Resolution to approve the quote from Buckeye Asphalt for seal coating, crack filling, and paint striping of the west campus lots and approve the quote from Buckeye Asphalt for pot hole repair. 

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-094 Approve Buckeye Asphalt - West Campus

Result: Approved

Motioned: John Messmer, Board President

Seconded: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

18. Accept Donation

Resolution to accept a donation of $10,000 from the Athletic Boosters.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-095 Accept Donation

Result: Approved

Motioned: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Lynn Baldwin, Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

19. Approve Revised Appropriations and Resources

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

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Resolution: 26-04-096 Approve Revised Appropriations and Resources

Result: Approved

Motioned: Kathy Belcher, Board Member

Seconded: Nate Clark, Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

20. Move from Regular to Executive Session

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-useproperty 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: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

The Board entered into Executive Session at 6:43 pm for item A above.

Resolution: 26-04-097 Move from Regular to Executive Session

Result: Approved

Motioned: John Messmer, Board President

Seconded: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX  

21. Regular Session Reconvened

Minutes

Regular session reconvened at 7:53 pm.


22. Adjourn this Meeting and Confirm Next Meeting Date

Resolution to adjourn this meeting and schedule the next meeting of the Highland Local School District Board of Education to be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Middle School Robotics Room.

Roll Call: Lynn Baldwin       Kathy Belcher       Nate Clark       Eric Thacker       John Messmer      

Minutes

Meeting was adjourned at 7:54 pm.

Resolution: 26-04-098 Adjournment

Result: Approved

Motioned: John Messmer, Board President

Seconded: Eric Thacker, Board Vice President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
John Messmer, Board PresidentX  
Eric Thacker, Board Vice PresidentX  
Kathy Belcher, Board MemberX  
Lynn Baldwin, MemberX  
Nate Clark, MemberX