By Betsi Werling

The Ada School Board met on  Thursday, April 23. Among business at the meeting, the Ada Public Library introduced a 5-year, 1-mill levy to be put on the November 2026 ballot.

ADA PUBLIC LIBRARY 
Ada Public Library director Rhett Grant, library treasurer Christy Beaschler and Melanie Weaver, library board secretary, presented the renewal of a 5-year, 1-mill levy to be put on the November 2026 ballot. Grant spoke about how much the library is used in the community. He said this levy will enable them to continue to offer quality programs. Later in the meeting, the board approved moving forward to place the levy on the ballot.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Paul Knisley spoke about the use of School Income Tax and proposed that the district use Earned Income Taxes for raising funds because it would protect retirees from having to pay taxes on retirement accounts.

Mark Schwemer, a candidate for Hardin County Auditor, introduced himself to the board. 

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Julie Simmons reported that the Patriotic Pops concert will be held on June 28 at 7:30 p.m. on the east lawn of Ada Schools (Grand Ave.)

Simmons also reported on two award recently received by the schools. The Ada Exempted Village Schools district was one of 20 districts to receive the Momentum Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The Momentum Award is for districts and buildings that have demonstrated outstanding improvement.

Both Ada Elementary and Ada Middle/High School received the Purple Star designation which recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military. 

The superintendent shared that she had received a resignation form Mary Garver, who has served 19 years as an Educational Assistant. Simmons introduced Brandi Albright, who is the new elementary secretary. 

Simmons reported that as smart boards cycle out, the district has been donating them to various non-profits and has received thank you letters from a variety of organizations. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION
An executive session was held to discuss employment with school board members later returning to the board room.

TREASURER'S REPORT 
Treasurer Tessa McVey reported on attending an annual conference for Fiscal Officers. She encouraged the Board to research the potential impact of proposals to ban property taxes, which are a source of school funding.

McVey said that the State of Ohio audit was released, with the district received the highest rating.

The district has received a School Bus Safety grant and is going to purchase new Chromebooks.

CONSENT AGENDA
Certified and classified substitutes for the 2025-2026 school year were approved. The board accepted the resignation of teacher Joshua Klein, who has worked for the district for 12 years.

Athletic supplemental contracts were approved for Softball Volunteer Coach Ann Bassitt and Tennis Volunteer Coach Rob Alexander. Joshua Gerken was approved for the MS/HS Math teaching position beginning July 1, 2026.

The list of graduating seniors for the Class of 2026 was approved. 

ACTION ITEMS
The Board approved changes to the program of studies for the 2026-2027 school year for grades 9-12. The Board also approved the employment of a Special Education Officer/Federal Programs Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year. Participation in the College Credit Plus program with James A Rhodes State College for 2026-2027 was also approved. 

NEXT MEETING
The school board will meet on Thursday, May 28, 2026.