Recap of December 18 School Board meeting

By Betsi Werling

The Ada Schools Board of Education met on Thursday, December 18 with Board President Troy Erickson presiding.

STAFF REPORTS
Elementary School Principal Angie Maag reported that the recent Parent Teacher Conferences saw a 95% participation rate. She noted these meetings are student-led, so students take ownership of their education. The quarterly reward for good behavior was held this week with students able to participate in games in the gym. For the quarter, there were no negative referrals for any third grader.

A Coin Wars drive was held to benefit the Ada Food Pantry. Teachers and staff could participate by paying to wear jeans. A total of $2,145.18 was raised. Maag reported that one of the district's students had a house fire and there has been an outpouring of support for the family. 

K-12 Assistant Principal and Transportation Supervisor Britton DeVier reported that a new van will be online in mid-January. He invited all to the upcoming Hall of Honor Reception on January 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Honorees are David Lusk, a faculty member for 43 years, and Mike Lenhart, a 1973 graduate who came back in 1995 to work at Ada.

SUPERINTENDENT
Julie Simmons shared that the schools are required to submit an annual nutrition report. She met with Food Service Director Ann Hersey and completed a walkthrough of the cafeteria. The nutritional value of all items is listed prominently. 

Simmons thanked board members Ronald Fleming and Ted Griffith for their service. Both are stepping down as board members. Fleming has served for 32 years and Griffith has served for 4 years. 

Over 100 people attended the December 10 Senior Citizens Luncheon which included musical entertainment by Ada students. 

Student dropoff has gone well since procedure changes were announced. There is a coned area that allows for 10 cars to drop off kids. With the help of staff, the process is much smoother.

TREASURER
Kim Light presented the Treasurer's report. During the Records Commission meeting,

Recommendations for disposal of records were according to policies set by the state. Recommended records go to the Ohio Historical Society. 

ACTION ITEMS

During the consent agenda, all supplemental contracts were shared. Kyle Poling has submitted his resignation as of December 31, 2025. However, he will return in January as a Volunteer Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach for Girls. 

Under action items, the Board approved the appointment of Troy Erickson as President Pro-Tem for a reorganization meeting in January. Also approved was the trip for Varsity Singers, Concert Band and Vocal Ensemble members to Nashville, TN.

NEXT MEETING

The Board of Education will hold its next meeting on January 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

◾️