Middle School Robotics Room
Wednesday, May 13
- 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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.
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:
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