School board members, L-R) Matt Gossman, Jay Salyer, Kyle Poling, Troy Erickson, Justin Hollon

By Betsi Werling

The Ada School Board met on Thursday, March 19 with board president Matt Gossman presiding. The meeting packet is available HERE.

ROOF REPAIRS
Jon Plattner from Cotterman & Company Inc. made a presentation on the roof work needed on the older section of the school. Lance Dearth, the Facilities Maintenance Coordinator, shared that they have continued to repair sections where shingles have blown off. 

Plattner explained the materials to be used for a new metal roof, which will have minimal seams.

The board tabled the vote for approval to allow some “tweaks” to the contract. The work will occur during the summer. The cost of the project will be $1,067,000.

OHIO LEGISLATION
Jay Salyers, legislative appointee for the board, highlighted Ohio legislation that may affect schools, according to the Ohio School Board Association. 

Early literacy is being prioritized with a “science of reading” initiative. Property tax reform may affect districts like Ada. Broadcasting rights for athletic events may expand to improve viewing of postseason play. Bills have been introduced on NIL (name, image and likeness) and compensation for high school athletes. Legislation is being considered that would give school employees the same health insurance as state employees.

PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT
Becca Hibbard, Public Relations Coordinator, is working with teachers and administrators to promote events on various social media platforms. Parent Square will replace the Remind announcement platform. Current users will be imported to the new platform.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Julie Simmons reported that in celebration of Pi Day, students were challenged to memorize the digits in Pi. The winner was Aubrey Luellen with 105 digits and Daphnie Shaw with 84 digits. 

Emma Lambdin was selected as the Midwest Regional ESC recipient of the 2026 Franklin B Walter all scholarship award for Hardin County.

CONSENT AGENDA
Substitute teachers were approved for the 2025-2026 academic year. Head Cook Kelly Kloeppel resigned. Ryan Shanks was named HS Softball Volunteer Coach. Melissa Gossard will serve as the Asst. Varsity Volleyball Coach. Holly Castle was hired as the Food Service Director beginning July 1, 2026.

ACTION ITEMS
The Board approved the 8th Grade Washington, DC trip for May 18, 2027 through May 21, 2027. The 6th grade incentive trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana on Sunday, April 26, 2026 was approved. 

The College Credit Plus agreement with ONU was approved for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

NEXT MEETING

Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m.