By Betsi Werling

The Ada Board of Education held a regular meeting on Thursday, November 20, led by Board President Troy Erickson. 

GUESTS
The meeting began with the introduction of Ada Public Library board member Melanie Weaver, who has worked at ONU for 20 years. The Board approved her renewal term from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2029. 

Advanced Manufacturing instructor Cole Crawford and students Landon Huber and Jackson Bowden presented on their recent Bridge Design Competition. The task was to create a bridge with the highest load-to-mass ratio. Their bridge design received first place at the competition and they were third overall.

BOARD REPORTS
Board member Justin Hollon attended the recent Ohio School Board Association conference with other school board members from across the state. He attended a presentation on AI in the Classroom where presenters spoke on aspects of AI regarding ethics, mental health and other aspects schools will need to address on the local level. Hollon shared that in the next 2-3 years, investment will be needed for local infrastructure. Transportation, advocacy for Board members and operational efficiency were also covered.

Board member Ron Fleming is approaching the end of his term and said he is willing to give another board member the opportunity to serve on the Apollo Board.

Troy Erickson took time to reiterate the Board's goals and how members should respond when concerns arise. He said that Board members have the responsibility to use the chain of command. He reminded Board members that they are to act ethically, transparently and uphold the values set by the OSBA. 

High School Principal Dan Lee reported that the Midwest ESC (Educational Service Center) provided some targeted training. The ESC looked at assessment scores for students and how they can influence teaching. Trainers broke the subjects down, so teachers could focus on how their students have done. The goal is to better meet students where they are in terms of learning. Lee commended the High School Band on receiving a 1 in the recent state competition. This is the 2nd year the band to received a 1 rating.

Lee noted that Advance Manufacturing students have Passion Project Fridays when they work on projects of special interest. The science fair presentations were held the same night as the meeting. Volunteer judges gave feedback to students on 65 projects.

Lee reported that Lt. Governor Jim Tressel did a great job engaging 350 students at an assembly last week. Some 190 Ada students are participating in the Team Tressel fitness challenge, which sets goals for physical fitness, sleep and nutrition over periods of 10, 30 and 60 days. 

Elementary School Principal Angela Maag reported that teachers in grades 3-5 received training from the ESC with data that will guide future instruction. Teachers will focus more on the individual students and where they are in terms of learning. On October 23, the Elementary held a Title I Literacy Day, which included a parent presentation and a Trunk or Treat. Teachers appreciated having professional development on the Friday after Trick or Treat, which gave the students a day of rest and provided a time for teachers to learn. The third grade recently took a field trip to the Wilson Football Factory and the fourth and fifth grades had an assembly recognizing Honor Roll students.

Superintendent Julie Simmons reported the district has received a Safety Grant from the Bureau of Workers' Compensation for a riding floor scrubber. The goal is to make cleaning the floor less strenuous. Simmons recently attended the Capital Conference with presentations on Sunshine Laws and Attendance Laws for Open Enrollment, among other informative sessions. 

The treasurer's report was presented by Kim Light. The district received its income tax payment of $550,425.72.

CONSENT AGENDA
All supplemental contracts were shared, including those for substitute teachers, aides, cafeteria workers and athletic coaches for 2025-2026. Ann Hersey, the Food Service Director, will retire after 19 years of service. The Board approved that staff recognition gifts could be purchased not to exceed $6,300. 

ACTION ITEMS
The Board approved the student teaching assignments with Mount Vernon Nazarene and Ohio Northern University.

NEXT MEETING
The Board will meet on December 18 at 6:00 p.m. New board members will be sworn in at the January 14 meeting at 6:00 p.m.