By Betsi Werling

The Ada Board of Education met on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The meeting was conducted by Board President Troy. Erickson. 

STAFF REPORTS
High School Principal Dan Lee reported that the year had started well. Dr. Lee provided the current records for fall sports. He noted that the Manufacturing classes that were implemented this year have great attendance. In the High School there are 50-60 students enrolled in classes and the middle school will have approximately 60 students over the course of 2 semesters enrolled. 

Elementary School Principal Angie Maag said the Behavior Leadership professional development program has been well received. This program gives the teachers words and actions that seek to improve student behavior. Coaching is provided by Ashley Owen of Behavior Leadership. She has gone into classrooms, observed teachers and provided feedback. One measurement of success is the number of office referrals. To date, there have only been two office referrals since implementing this program. 

Superintendent Julie Simmons reported on the recently released Ohio School Report Cards. Ada Schools moved from 4.0 to 4.5 this year. The ultimate goal is to receive a 5 star rating. Mrs. Simmons attributes this success to the staff that lead, teach and work to make Ada the best that it can be. She commented that Lunch on the Lawn was a success with students served a meal on frisbees. 

Simmons reported that Nathan Freed, the new technology coordinator, is working on disposing of old equipment and creating a 5-year cycle to replace equipment. The school website is being updated. Becca HIbbard has started removing links that go nowhere and developing the Athletics web page to include schedules, rosters and current photos.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
School board candidate Jay Salyer introduced himself. He is a 2008 Ada graduate and attended OSU in Nursing. Sayler has a 3rd and a 1st grader in elementary school. He currently works as a Nurse Practitioner at Blanchard Valley in the endocrinology and diabetes center. 

TREASURER
Kim Light reviewed the 2025-2026 federal grant personnel for payroll, which is wages and benefits. She also reported on the 5-year forecast (2026-2030). She noted that years where numbers are projected could change with income tax renewals and state budget changes. With the current budget, the state has until December 2026 to make modifications.

Light reported that Ada Schools received funds for Student Success and Wellness which are to be used in supporting students’ mental health and wellness. The school has partnered with Midwest Regional ESC and SAFY. 

CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda included all supplemental contracts. These include substitute teachers, aides, cafeteria workers and the athletic supplemental contracts for 2025-2026. Deborah Ward and Diane Hood are going to be partners in education for the 2025-2026 academic year. Bridgette Jones will be paid $8,000 to serve as the After School Coordinator. Victoria Mason and Robin Creeger resigned from the cafeteria and Kimberly Simon was hired as a cafeteria worker. The after school program will employ 15 teachers at $30/hour for a total of 4 hours/week. 

ACTION ITEMS
The board approved all items including a shared service agreement with Kenton City Schools to transport students to extra-curricular activities. Lima City Schools will provide Title 1 services for a student in the district.. A job description for the Athletic Director was presented.

The next meeting for the Board of Education is October 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.