By Betsi Werling

The Ada Board of Education met at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14. Outgoing board president Troy Erickson called the meeting to order and administered the oath of office to the new board members Jay Salyer and Kyle Poling.

New officers were elected. Matt Gossman will serve as Board President and Justin Hollon will serve as Vice President for the 2026 calendar year. 

The Board approved the establishment of the date, time and place of regular meetings. Meetings will be held on the third Thursday of every month except April, May and June. In April, May and June, the meetings will be held on the fourth Thursday. Meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Education conference room.

The Board approved standing fiscal authorizations for Treasurer Tessa McVey and action-standing business for Superintendent Julie Simmons.

Troy Erickson and Kyle Poling were approved to serve on the Policy Committee. The remaining leadership roles are as follows: 

Legislative Liaison for the Ohio School Boards Association - Jay Salyer

Student Achievement Liaison to the Ohio School Boards Association - Justin Hollon

Local Tax Abatement Representative - Justin Hollon

Audit Representatives - Troy Erickson and Justin Hollon

Representative on the Apollo Board - Ron Fleming

BOARD RECOGNITION
Julie Simmons recognized the Board Members for their service on the Ada Board of Education. It is School Board Appreciation month, sponsored by the Ohio School Board Association. 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 

Ada Elementary School Principal Angie Maag reported that on December 19, Santa visited the school to wish the students a Merry Christmas. On Friday, January 16, there will be a Spelling Bee for students in grades 4-8. The winner will compete in the District competition being held at UNOH.

Technology Coordinator Nathan Freed reported on completed projects. All second graders have brand new Chromebooks. Over 400 old Chromebooks have been disposed of. In reference to Senate Bill 29 and House Bill 96, Ada School District has agreements with all vendors when student data is shared, so that student privacy is protected. 

Superintendent Julie Simmons reported that the Director of Food Service and another food service position have been posted externally. Simmons said that Remind messaging service would be discontinued at the end of the year. The district has chose a new provider, Parent Square, which allows for more customization of group messaging.

Tessa McVey presented the Treasurer's report. She reported that costs may look higher, but most materials are ordered early in the year. McVey said that the district is on target with what was budgeted for this year and was in the 50% mark of completion. 

CONSENT AGENDA 
All supplemental contracts were shared. Tonia Silone in the Food Service resigned effective January 12, 2026. 

ACTION ITEMS 
The Board approved Kim Light's resignation as Treasurer. They also approved hiring her for $50/hour for up to 100 hours for training with McVey. 

NEXT MEETING
The next meeting for the Ada Board of Education will be held on Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 p.m.