First day of academic year 2026-2027 for students is August 24

By Betsi Werling

The Ada Board of Education met on Tuesday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m. with Board President Matt Gossman calling the meeting to order. Treasurer Tessa McVey provided a Five-Year Financial Forecast for 2025-2029, which will be covered in a separate article on the Icon.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 

Ada Elementary - Principal Angie Maag reported on professional development with teachers on Tuesday. Some vertical meetings were held across all grades levels and subjects. The Educational Service Center was there to provide data that drives the instruction provided to students. 

Recently, the Elementary held a Souper Bowl along with the United Way of Hardin County. Students collected 670 non-perishable items. Fifth graders in Pride Patrol took on the task of sorting and organizing the food. In the spring term Tressel Fitness Challenge students will track what they eat, how they sleep and when they exercise. Also coming up are Dr. Suess Right to Read programs and the 2nd-3rd grade musical.

High School - Principal Dr. Dan Lee reported that the recent Music and Academic Booster’s Purse Raffle was a huge success and raised funds to support students. The 10th grade job shadowing program had to be rescheduled. This program allows Sophomores to job shadow in real work settings with the support of local businesses. Athletes are doing a leadership book study. Outside speakers encourage student athletes to be leaders on and off the field. 

Lee shared that there will be some additional courses this year in the College Credit Plus program. Ada students earned 874 college credits last year.

Buildings and Grounds - Director Lance Dearth made a presentation on roofing materials and provided the Board with quotes from several vendors. Superintendent Julie Simmons said they are also looking at the cost for consortium participation to pay for this project. More information will be presented at the next Board meeting, including choosing a vendor. The roof replacement is planned for over the summer.

Simmons reported that she had attended a recent Varsity Singers performance and the level of skill was to be commended. She will present the State of the School during the Ada Distinguished Awards on February 26.

Tessa McVey presented the Treasurer's report. She reported that January is the seventh month of the year and spending was 58.3%, which was in line with the budget. The quarterly income tax payment was $513,761.06, a decrease of $23,213.65 from the same payment in fiscal year 2025. 

CONSENT AGENDA
All new substitute teachers were approved. The Board also approved the stipend rate of $30/hour for teachers in the afterschool program for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

The Board accepted the resignation of Alane Collins, the Elementary School Secretary. Jodi Hazelton was approved for a classified cafeteria contract. 

Spring Supplemental contracts for athletic teams were approved. Kyle Murphy will be the Head Varsity Volleyball Coach for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Board approved continued participation as members in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

ACTION ITEMS 
The Board approved the following items: 

• The Memorandum of Understanding for the Ada Classified Association for employees. 
• The 2026-2027 school calendar with a start date of August 24, 2026. 
• Program of Studies for Grades 7 and 8 and Grades 9 through 12 for the 2026-2027 academic year. 

MEETING SCHEDULE
The Board went into Executive Session at 7:08 p.m. with no action to be taken afterwards. 

The next meeting for the Ada Board of Education will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6 p.m.