New assistant treasurer is Tessa McVey

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Ada Board of Education met on Thursday, July 17 with all members present and President Troy Erikson presiding. There were staff members and the media present.

STAFF REPORTS
Elementary Principal Angie Maag reported on two new hires: aide Teresa Risser and kindergarten teacher Caitlin Porter. 

Treasurer Kim Light introduced associate treasurer Tessa McVey. Prior to the next meeting on August 21, the board will hold a reception for new staff starting at 5:30 p.m. Superintendent Julie Simmons noted that resumes have been received for several open positions.

Buildings and Grounds supervisor Lance Dearth reported new water installation for the Administration Building has been completed and that the “water isn’t brown anymore.” Work on the new Agriculture-Advanced Manufacturing building progressing with heating 50% done.

FINANCIALS
Kim Light reported on the last month of fiscal year 2024-2025. Next week she will begin on the next 5-year forecast with assistance from a consulting firm.

CONSENT AGENDA
The board approved the Superintendent’s consent agenda (packet p. 6), pulling out items F (free tickets for students to athletic events) and H (athletic supplemental contracts) for discussion.

FREE STUDENT TICKETS TO ATHLETIC EVENTS
Board members asked for updates on student behavior at athletic events since creating a policy of free admission two years ago. Athletic director Ken Jochims said that young children must be accompanied by an adult and that they are “really tightening up the gate.” 

Unsupervised children at football games was also discussed. Jochims and Simmons emphasized they will meet with the Ada Police Department prior to the start of the season and request that they are present on the home side of the stadium. 

There is new lighting at the stadium, which is expected to improve the ability to monitor behaviour. Parent cooperation was cited as a past problem. Simmons estimated that there were some 13-18 incidents in the prior year and that at the same time free admission was helping with school spirit in the middle grades.

The item passed with Troy Erikson voting no and Matt Gossman, Ted Griffith, Justin Hollon and Ronald Fleming voting yes.

NEXT MEETING
The school board will meet on August 21 at 6:00 p.m. with a reception for new staff at 5:30 p.m.

School board meetings are held in a conference room in the Administration building, 725 W. North Ave. (entrance off Grand Ave.)

Board Members are Troy Erickson, President, Matt Gossman, Ted Griffith, Justin Hollon and Ronald Fleming.

Ada Exempted Village School District

https://www.ada.k12.oh.us/
Board of Education documents: https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/ada/Board.nsf/Public
419-634-2746