Lance Dearth hired as Buildings, Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor

The December 15 meeting of the Ada Schools Board of Education was attended by elected officials Ron Fleming, Matt Gossman, Ted Griffith and Steve Ramey. President Amy Mullins was absent; Mr. Gossman conducted the meeting.

The session began with an executive session of approximately 15 minutes to discuss employment matters. Links for agenda and treasurer’s report.

The meeting was attended by the Icon and the Kenton Times, as well as by Lance Dearth and family. Dearth was hired as the new Buildings, Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor.

NEW BUSINESS
The board approved updated policies as presented by the Board Policy Committee. Topics are listed here. The Icon has requested a copy of this document.

• Weapons
• Adoption of Courses of Study
• Career Advising
• District Sponsored Clubs and Activities
• Interscholastic Athletics
• Employment of Personnel for Co-Curricular/Extra-Curricular Activities
• Eligibility of Resident/Non-Resident Students
• Care of Students with Chronic Health Conditions
• Care of Students with Diabetes
• Diploma Deferral
• Travel Payment & Reimbursement/Relocation costs
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Facility Security
• Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
• School Calendar
• Personnel Files
• Student Records
• Transportation

Amy Mullins was appointed as President Pro-Tem for the January 12 reorganizational meeting.

SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
The board approved Superintendent Robin VanBuskirk’s recommendations A-D, which included:

- Resignations of Mrs. Reichert, 8th grade science and social studies teacher effective in February and of Mr. Lusk, High School chemistry and physics, effective in June.

- Volunteer driver Erinn Prater

- Administrative contract with Lance Dearth as Building, Grounds and Maintenance Supervisors with a salary of $53,500

- Supplemental contracts with Katie Curry, Co-Tennis Coach; Tyler Christoff, Co-Tennis Coach and Trace Plaugher,  Volunteer Assistant Wrestling

TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Kim Light reported:

- Final bond payment for K 12 building has been made; as a result, property taxes will be reduced by $225/ year for $100k home. A reception-celebration is planned before the January board meeting.

- The attached treasurer's report includes

• Investment summary
• November 2022 General Fund Budget vs. Actual
• Spending plan summary
• Cash reconciliation
• Monthly bank reconciliation
• Cash summary report
• Disbursement summary report

SPECIAL REPORTS
High School Principal - Dr. Dan Lee

- Over 475 parent-teacher conferences were held at the middle and high school prior to Thanksgiving.

- A major safety drill was conducted combining ALICE training with lock down to evacuation training. The drill involved the Ada Police Department.

- Ex-NFL player Keith Davis provided a program for grades 4-12 on “voices and choices” which included feats of strength. The event was sponsored by John Rich.

- Mr Vernick and Mr. Lusk received donations for three new 3-D printers.

Elementary Principal - Jeremy Clark

- Standing room only for Christmas concert which included hot chocolate and photo booth

- Many donations in December

- Student baked and sold cookies to help pay for lunch balances; raised $325

- Signs of Reading phonics program is having good results.

SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS

Superintendent Robin VanBuskirk reported

- $200K Safety Grant has been awarded by the state. This is a competitive process. Will result in safety improvements in buildings and playgrounds.

- 100 attendees at the Senior Citizens Breakfast on a foggy day (school was cancelled).

- The following day (Dec. 16) would be the last day for HVAC proposals for the gym-administrative offices building.

NEXT MEETING
The Board of Education will meet on January 19 with a 5:15 p.m. reception prior to the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.