By Alec Keller

The Ada School Board met on Thursday, September 18, with the meeting conducted by board president Jay Salyer. The meeting packet is here.

PUBLIC FORUM
Cristal Lyle, owner of Busy Bee Preschool and Child Care, requested that the board amend the school’s transportation policy to provide bussing services to all licensed child care centers, regardless of their proximity to the school. 

Located at the Ada First United Methodist Church for 11 years, Busy Bee is state-licensed to provide child care, preschool and after-school care for children from three years old through fifth grade. The center operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. to support working families. 

Lyle said staff members spend several months walking students from Ada School to the facility. However, stormy, cold and unpredictable weather has created logistical problems for the staff and children.

State licensing requirements and financial constraints prevent Busy Bee from transporting children directly, and staff members are legally restricted from placing children in personal vehicles. During severe weather, parents were forced to leave work to transport their children to the center.

The board was asked to reconsider its policy and grant bussing access to local child care centers.

Superintendent Julie Simmons noted that the board’s next policy meeting is scheduled for November 4.

RETIREMENT

The board approved the retirement of Melissa Gossard, as First Grade Teacher at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. She was commended for her 33 years of service in education, with 29 of those years being with the Ada School District.

STAFF REPORTS
Middle and High School
Principal Dan Lee reported that there was a good turnout of 8th graders at a career fair organized by the Midwest Regional ESC at Ridgemont. Lee thanked everyone involved in Homecoming festivities, including the student council, their advisors and volunteers.

Superintendent
Julie Simmons congratulated school treasurer Tessa McVey for receiving the 2026 William L. Robinson Young Alumni Award during the university’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. The award is given to an alum who shows outstanding growth in their career, community engagement and a continued relationship with the University. 

Simmons commended Becca Hibbard, the Ada School’s public relations coordinator. She has participated in the Hardin County Leadership Program, which allows interested citizens to learn about their community's needs and resources and develop leadership skills in the process. Hibbard will be speaking at the program’s graduation ceremony.

Treasurer
Tessa McVey informed the board that the .75% income tax levy expires at the end of 2027. Therefore, the school will need to have a levy at the beginning of 2028. McVey said there are two ballot opportunities: May or November 2027. McVey is speaking with attorneys and the Ohio Tax Division for figures on what it would cost to put on a broad or traditional levy. Board president Matt Gossman clarified that they will need to decide at the end of the year if they wish to pursue a levy. 

McVey gave a monthly financial report, available here.

CONSENT AGENDA
A list of athletic supplemental contracts was presented and approved, as well as stipends for teachers for the after-school program for the 2026-2027 school year.

NEXT MEETING
The next school board meeting will be held on November 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.