By Betsi Werling

The Ada School Board met on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. School Board President, Matt Gossman called the meeting to order. Meeting agenda with documents.

NEW STAFF
Holly Castle will serve as the District Food Service Coordinator. Ashley Stewart will be a part of the cafeteria staff. Joe Gertken will teach High School Math. 

Shawn Stevens will serve as the Vocal Music Director. Brandi Albright is the new Elementary Secretary. Heather Gambrill will serve as an educational aide in the Elementary building. 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Elementary Principal Angie Maag reported that an Open House for students to meet their teachers was happening that night. She shared that a goal for the staff was to find joy in the journey. 

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Principal Dan Lee reported that summer school finished with 10 students enrolled, who completed all required coursework. As the year begins, professional development has been taking place and some departmental group work. Fall athletic competition has begun. Recently, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the new concession stand. The old space will become an athletic training facility. 

SUPERINTENDENT
Julie Simmons reported that the Opening Day session allowed the district to reflect on past successes and new initiatives. Senior Parent Night was created to help parents prepare for their student’s senior year. For the first time, there will be a separate Kindergarten Open House. The new roof is 80% completed, with all academic wings done. The last remaining section, over the auditorium, should be finished in the Fall. 

FEDERAL GRANTS
Robin VanBuskirk reported on federal grants that the district will receive. Title I Part A Targeted Assistance will be $154,427.67. Title II Part A Teacher Quality will be $25,025.62. Title IV Part A Student Support will be $14,238.25. Title III Language Instruction for English Learners will be $925.87. The IDEA Part B Special Education will be $189,715.81. IDEA Early Childhood Education will be $5,314.92. 

REQUEST FOR SCHOOL FEES FINANCIALS
During public comment, community member Paul Knisley requested that the numbers for the recent waiving of school fees be shared. 

TREASURER’S REPORT
Tessa McVey reported that the district has fully implemented a new online requisition system.There is a new feature called Hands on Business where staff can place orders for supplies. 

In 2026-2027, district is a part of will see an increase of 5% for AEP power costs. 

Donations will now be acknowledged monthly. In July, donations were made by Pepsi Co. and an anonymous 2026 Graduate. 

McVey presented the district Financial Forecast, now submitted in August and February. The district works with K12 Consulting to obtain assistance with the forecast creation.

CONSENT AGENDA
Substitute teachers for the 2026-2027 academic year were presented as well as athletic supplemental contracts for football and boys and girls soccer. Scott Henning’s supplemental contract was rescinded. Shawn Stevens supplemental contracts were presented. A 3% salary increase for the K-12 Asst Principal, Elementary Principal, MS/HS Principal, Treasurer and Superintendent were recommended. All items in the consent agenda were approved. 

ACTION ITEMS 

Approval for the minutes of the July 16, 2026 meeting were moved to September’s board meeting. The service agreement with the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center was approved. The Board selected Jay Salyer to be the OSBA Delegate for the November 16, 2026 conference. Matt Gossman will be the alternate delegate. 

A few revisions to various board policies were approved. The Board approved Ada Exempted Village Schools to enter into the North Central Ohio ESC consortium for Title III LEP Funds. A memorandum of understanding with SAFY Lima Behaviorial was approved. A few updates were approved for the program of studies for 2026-2027 academic year. 

The next meeting will be Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.