By Betsi Werling

The Ada Board of Education met on Thursday, May 28 with board president Troy Erickson conducting the meeting. Two Ada students addressed council on school policies and the board presented special honors to a business and a student.

HEARING OF THE PUBLIC
Callie Burgess, an Ada High School student, spoke about student parking concerns. She said that students paying for spots do not always have a place to park. She suggested that teachers park in the front of the school and students who do not stay at school all day could park further away from the school. 

Brooklyn Andreasen, an Ada High School student, requested that Seniors be able to decorate their graduation caps with designs. She suggested that designs could be approved in advance. Julie Simmons, Superintendent, responded that the Board will consider both requests and discuss them in the future. 

BOARD RECOGNITION
The Ada Schools named Crimson Lane, owned by Mike and Jodi Willeke, to the Ohio School Board Association Business Honor Roll. Crimson Lane has allowed Ada High School to host prom at their Hancock County venue.

On behalf of Senator Rob McColley, senior Zack Zimmerman was recognized for his contributions to the Ada High School boys basketball team. The honor cited his talent, competitive spirit and admirable dedication. This year he received honorable mention for in the All Ohio Division VI.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Principal Angie Maag reported that children’s author Jeff Ebbler visited Ada Schools and met with students. The students drew illustrations of his characters and some classes read his books in preparation for the visit. 

In May, special programs for Elementary students included a small animal day, field day and the fourth quarter behavior reward trip to Hero Day. On May 26, K-5 students met teachers for next year on “Bump Up Day.”

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Superintendent Julie Simmons recognized the Girls Softball Team for their season as they advanced to the regional semi-finals. Also representing Ada in regional athletics were Kayleb Hickman, Anna Conley, Kyla Coleman, Charliegh Entinghe, Rose Baxter and Jordyn Smith. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Tessa McVey presented that April is the tenth month of the year, which means the budget is 83.3 % through the fiscal year. Expenses are in line with what was allocated and the transfer of funds this month was related to technology expenses for the district. An account for the incoming Junior class will be created that will cover expenses through their senior year. 

Next year’s audit will include cybersecurity. (See action items regarding related policy.) The fourth Income Tax Revenue payment was $40.7K more than received for the same period last year.

A list of all students who received the Ada Employee Scholarship of $100 was presented. The Board approved the closing of the account for the Ty Michael Memorial Scholarship. The family wishes to end this scholarship.

CONSENT AGENDA
Certified and classified substitutes for the remainder of the year were presented. Student lunch prices were approved as follows: grades K-8 will be $2.50 and grades 9-12 will be $2.75. Pay dates for 2026-2027 were set. 

Lima Memorial Physicians and Mercy Health Physicians Lima will be the medical organizations to certify bus driver physical forms for the 2026-2027 school year. Contracts for certified and classified employees and a $9,000 stipend for Rebecca Hibbard for her role of Coordinator of Public Relations were approved. 

There will be a 3% increase for non-bargaining unit employees’ salaries for 2026-2027. Amber Stoll was hired as chef. Summer workers will be paid $12/hr. 

The Ada FFA Chapter will travel out of state to attend the national convention on October 21-24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Supplemental fall sports contracts were presented. Sara Bryan will serve as the Driver’s Ed Coordinator with a stipend of $1500 for 2026-2027. The Intervention Assistant Team Coordinator, Gwen Jochims, will be paid a stipend of $1200 for the 26-27 school year.

ACTION ITEMS
A contract with The West Central Ohio Assistive Technology Center and Hancock Area Transportation Services (HATS) were approved for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Board approved the transfer of the remaining $8,745.24 from the Debt Retirement Fund into the Permanent Improvement Fund. 

A resolution for adopting the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as the official cybersecurity program was approved. 

NEXT MEETING
The next Ada Board of Education meeting will be held Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 p.m.