Highland Local School District - Regular Meeting

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

Resolution to approve the minutes for the April 8, 2026 Regular Board of Education Meeting and April 20, 2026 Special Meeting as presented.

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

Resolution to approve the April 2026 Financial Statements as presented.

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

Messmer:

Thacker:

Belcher:

Baldwin:

Clark:

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.

• Concerning the consideration of the retire/rehire of Michael DeLaney

• Concerning the consideration of the retire/rehire of Katie Pauley

• Concerning the consideration of the retire/rehire of Shannon Belcher

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      

Resolution to approve the following resignations

Danielle Padrutt    Paraprofessional (Effective End of the School Year)

Jennifer Bolton    Paraprofessional    (Effective End of the School Year)

Kesley Kincaid    Bus Driver            (Effective June 4, 2026)

Michelle Hudson    HS Math    (Effective End of the School Year)

Brian Ballard   Paraprofessional (Effective 5-5-26)

Shawn Wilhelm    Robotics    (Effective End of the School Year)

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

Resolution to approve to following retirements

Shelley Hammond    ES Custodian    (Effective 6-30-26)

Marty Zeger    Grounds Keeper    (Effective 6-3-26)

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

Approve the resolution to inform the Highland Community of actions that will be taken for the fiscal year 2027 due to Ohio Property Tax Reform.

WHEREAS on December 19, 2025, numerous property tax reform bills were approved to provide relief to Ohio tax payers.  

WHEREAS this property tax reform will reduce Highland Local Schools revenue used to support education needs of our children by an estimated $1.8 million based on the published forecast.

WHEREAS the Highland Board of Education (the Board) will take necessary action to ensure the district’s goal of maintaining sufficient financial reserves and minimizing deficit spending are met to protect against reductions in educational programming, staffing or service levels due to unexpected revenue shortfalls as a result of this reform.

WHEREAS due to the impact of Ohio’s property tax reform, the Board directed the District’s Superintendent and Treasurer at the March 2026 public meeting, agenda item No. 28, to take the necessary action and plan for the reduction of operating cost by $1 million for the FY27 school year.

WHEREAS as a result if the above direction, the District’s Superintendent and Treasurer are seeking approval from the Board to perform the following operational and cost saving measures of nearly $1 million for the FY27 school year, to included:              

• Reducing Preschool to three morning and afternoon sessions
• Not filling five open positions       
• Eliminating one administrative position
• Reducing the number of supplemental contracts
• Not transferring general funds for capital items
• Consider Retire/Rehire for staff
• Other economies and efficiencies                                                                          

WHEREAS the District’s Superintendent and Treasurer will continue to advise the Board of potential actions needed to ensure the district’s goal of providing quality educational growth to our highland kids while maintaining sufficient financial reserves and minimizing deficit spending are met.

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

Resolution to approve the following classified subs

Renae Schwartz        Paraprofessional

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

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

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

Resolution to approve the following overnight trips

FFA Camp    June 22 - 26    Carrolton, OH

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

Resolution to approve the following certified contracts for one year.

Greta Penix

Charles Wendt

Julia Ritzler

Louis D'Hondt

Paul Kunkle

Megan Dever

Wes Newland

Brian Wetzel

Caitlin Snyder

Kelsey Ware

Madelyn Hendrickson

Morgan Sott

Indie Jones

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

Resolution to approve the following certified contracts for two years.

Kristy Daugherty

Craig Smith

Christina Hart

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

Resolution to approve the following certified personnel for three years contracts.

Tom Haring

Amber Billings

Angel Cahall

Jett Walls

Heather Faulkner

Elena Manning

Daniel Cichon

Samantha Mowry

Amanda Laci Romshak

Samantha Bennett

Hannah MCAvoy

Baylee Reida

Sarah Sholl

Jacob Ware

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

Resolution to approve the following certified contracts for five years.

Kara Banbury

Luke Burton

Donnie Kline

Abby Steele

Chad Williams

Brianne Jaynes

Tressa Fown

Anthony Wilson

Candace Schlingman

Dustin Green

Lauretta Duncan

Paige Stone

Allison Streby

Kayla Arthurs

Michelle Scott

Andrea Updike

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

Resolution to approve the following personnel for a continuing contract.

Candace Thompson

Stephanie Beck

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

Resolution to approve the following classified contracts for two years.

Jill Hunter

Melanie Nauman

Kelly Simms

Stephanie Lehman

Cortney Farmer

Christi Holtrey

Crystal Kyser

Brittney Mullins

Michelle Adkins

Sarah Garcia 

Courtnie Howell

Denise McClure

Julie McLeod

Morgan Lisenbee

Meghan Wissel

Heather Minor

Rosanna Mason

Brittany Renwick

Amy Ragor

Mya Watson

Danielle Ulrey

Stacey Swick

Tara Weaver

Ashley Watson

Diane Suttinger

Tiffany D'Hondt

Sarah Gorenflo

Nate Remley

Ron Ragor

Carlee Beam

Beverly Arndt

Danielle Rehm

Mindy Marquez

Joshua Swims

Richard Dobucki

Spencer Partlow

James Blaney

Angela Lowe

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

Resolution to approve the following continuing contracts

Tiffani Miller

Michelle Marcum

Eayon Fiedler

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

Resolution to approve the following non-teaching employee by three year contract.

Dana Lehman             Systems Administrator (Technology)

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

Resolution to approve the following supplemental contracts

Denny West        HS Head Cross Country     (9+ Years)

Adam Gilmore    MS Head Cross Country    (6 Years)

Angel Cahall        MS Assistant Cross Country    (5 Years)

Craig Smith    HS Assistant Football    (9+ Years)

Matt Downing    HS Assistant Football    (9+ Years)

Chad Williams    HS Assistant Football    (7 Years)

Ben Lannom    HS Assistant Football    (2 Years)

Jacob Ware    MS Head Football    (5 Years)

Drew Mitchell    MS Head Football    (3 Years)

Kyle Anderson    MS Assistant Football    (3 Years)

Jake Broerman    MS Assistant Football    (4 Years)

Chris Rupe    HS Head Boys Golf    (9+ Years)

David Ware    HS Head Girls Golf    (4 Years)

Satchel Denton    HS Head Boys Soccer    (3 Years)

Payton Woodruff    HS Assistant Soccer    (3 Years)

Anthony Wilson    HS Assistant Soccer    (7 Years)

Megan Dever    HS Head Girls Soccer    (2 Years)

Brooke Ratliff    HS Assistant Soccer    (1 Year)

Katie Davis    HS Head Volleyball    (5 Years)

Chelsea Ulrey    HS Assistant Volleyball    (5 Years)

Nikki Thomas    HS Assistant Volleyball    (2 Years)

Derek Bower    MS Head Volleyball    (9+ Years)

Tarren Woodruff    MS Head Volleyball    (6 Years)

Christy Barnett    HS Head Cheer    (9 Years)

Scott Pauley       Summer School        Paid at Hourly Rate

Chris Houlihan    Head Boys Basketball Coach    (4 Years)

Heather Faulkner        Assistant Band Director        (9+ Years)

Logan Denman           Associate Band Director        (6 Years)

Aubrey Lovely             Color Guard Coach                (2 Years)

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

Resolution to approve the following supplemental contract.

Ty Stover        HS Head Football    (5 Years)

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

Resolution to approve extended service days for the following personnel

Kathleen Pauley             High School Guidance Counselor             20 Days
Jordan Kennedy             High School Guidance Counselor             20 Days
Brianne Jaynes               Middle School Guidance Counselor         20 Days
Joseph Smith                  High School Ag Science Teacher              50 Days
Sarah Reynolds              High School Ag Business Teacher            35 Days
Amy Arnett-Tomsak       Instrumental Music Director                    25 Days
Kayla McMurry                Elementary Music Teacher                        1 Day
Brian Weztel                    Middle School Robotics                            15 Days

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

Resolution to approve payment to Derek Bower in the amount of $10,000 for working at Highland Community Park in the Summer of 2026.

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

Resolution to approve monthly payments in the amount of $1,250 ($15,000 total) payable on the second pay of each month to the following employees for performing duties of the Administrative Assistant in the District Office during contract year ending 2027 upon supervisory approval of work completed (payments to be prorated if duties aren't completed in full).

Jessika Roberts    ($15,000)

Kristen Eblin         ($15,000)

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

Resolution to approve the following reduction in force

Because of financial reasons, I recommend a reduction in force of administrators in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 3319.171 and Board Policy 1540.  More Specifically, I recommend the following reduction(s):

Area of Certification/Licensure    Reduction            Position

Reading                                            1.0 FTE          Literacy Specialist

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

Resolution to approve the one-time reimbursement of $100 to the following bus drivers for electricity used to plug their buses in at home during the 25-26 school year.

Jody Keller

Sandy Beckel

Kendra Albanese

Brad Duncan

Trina Ratliff

Brandie Eichhorn

Ron Ragor

Danielle Rehm

Christy Carson

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

Resolution to approve the audiology agreement between Highland Local School District and Mouse Audiology Services, LLC. for the 2026-2027 school year.

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

Resolution to approve the agreements (2) between Specialized Education of Ohio, Inc. that owns and operates High Road School of Bucyrus and Highland Local School District for ESY Services during the summer of 2026.

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

Resolution to approve the agreement with DKMM

DKMM will place recycling collection containers on Highland's property to be used, by DKMM residents, for the purpose of recycling. Drop-off locations are available full-time with access 24 hours per day, seven days per week. DKMM will contract with a private service provider to empty the containers on a regular schedule. A County Recycling Program Manager is responsible to maintain the site and assure it is safe and clean.

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

Resolution to authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with the Motz Group, LLC for the field replacement project based upon revised code section 167.081 for contracts procured through a regional council of governments.

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

Resolution to approve the following transfer of funds:

Transfer From:

Genera Fund 001-0000                                $150,000

Transfer To:

Capital Projects 070-9003 (Buses)               $150,000

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

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      

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      

Resolution to adjourn this meeting and schedule the next meeting of the Highland Local School District Board of Education to be held Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Slack Center.

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