Meeting Details
July 25, 2025
7:30am
Coshocton Elementary School, 1203 Cambridge Rd., Coshocton, Ohio, 43812
Purpose
N/A
1.
62.0-2025 Call to Order
Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Mission Statement
Coshocton City Schools, in partnership with families and community, will empower individuals to become literate, respectful, responsible, and independent lifelong learners in an ever-changing global society.
Minutes
Board member Sam Bennett read the mission statement.
4.
Roll Call
Minutes
Ms. Eyerman called the roll, all members of the board were in attendance.
5.
63.0-2025 Adoption of the Agenda
It is recommended that the Board of Education adopt the agenda.
Minutes
The agenda was adopted as presented.
Motioned: Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member
Seconded: Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member
| Voter | Yes | No | Abstaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President | X | ||
| Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member | X | ||
| Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member | X | ||
| Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member | X | ||
| Mrs. Susan Mann, President | X |
6.
64.0-2025 Approval of Meeting Minutes
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following meeting minutes from the June 19th and 26th meetings.
Minutes
The board minutes were approved as presented.
Result: Approved
Motioned: Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member
Seconded: Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President
| Voter | Yes | No | Abstaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President | X | ||
| Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member | X | ||
| Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member | X | ||
| Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member | X | ||
| Mrs. Susan Mann, President | X |
7.
Hearing of the Public
This meeting is a meeting of the Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the School Districts business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There is a time for public participation during the meeting as indicated. Those addressing the Board will be allotted three (3) minutes.
Minutes
1 community member registered to speak to the Board - Fran Nelson.
Ms. Nelson shared that she was a teacher at our HS for 30 years. She retired in 2007. She has continued to evaluate the current state of the HS and system based on her grandchildren. She is aware of problems, and there are problems. She shared this example: the room she taught in had a large crack in the floor that appeared to get larger each year. Engineers assured the district that the building was safe, but Ms. Nelson chose not to seat any students over the crack and put her desk there, instead. She stated that the building and campus are beautifully taken care of, but there are many problems. She also shared that she stopped by to see Mr. Kowalski recently because she had many questions about COVID-19 funding, etc. He explained that the Board will have an evening meeting to discuss the state of the building. The governor's budget vetoes were overridden this week, and public education is under attack. We want to educate the public. The district has been prudent, asking for no new operating tax increases since 2013. We have stretched the almighty dollars. She decided to come to the meeting to share her experiences that help support the need for a new HS building.
8.
Board and Staff Reports
Minutes
Nicole Hostetler from Lifewise introduced herself, Ron, and Donna Smeek
She shared how the program is legal, simple, and practical, and that they adhere to federal, state, and local laws.She also explained that Lifewise is privately funded and operates off school property, adhering to the laws requiring separation of church and state. Items she emphasized were their focus on the central message of bible not the details of religion - all teachers have a background check, they focus on the actionable and use bible stories as lessons in character.There is no charge and no tax dollars are used. If accepted, Lifewise time will be at Coshocton Baptist Church, starting the week after fair. There are common questions about safety and liability: What if there is an accident off school property? Lifewise assumes liability the moment they exit the school property. How do they ensure safety before, during, and after the session? -Lifewise has extensive protocols that mirror the policy of local schools. How do you oversee teachers' standards? Lifewise has an application process, training, ongoing opportunities, and annual evaluations similar to public education. Lifewise works with schools to develop policies of our students understand. The language mirrors the schools'. She shared that the student, the schools, and the community are impacted by their presence. She shared that research shows academic and behavioral improvement, there is improvement in character development, and improved mental health. The Impact study showed that schools participating reported improved attendance, showed a decrease in-and out-of-school suspensions, and 90% of educators agree that their school and students benefited. Elain Ross from TriValley Lifewise program spoke about her program in Trivalley. At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, two elementary schools of the 4 participated. K-6, started in Oct, had 239 students 45% of school enrollment ended up with over 400 students. The growth is from the kids sharing, but the parents must enroll their children. In 2023-24, pparents from the other TriValley schools requested Lifewise. 790 students were enrolled in year two. Their goal is to have 60 % participation. In year 3, they added a whole day for middle school students to participate. Enrollment increased to 820 students in year 3. The program was open to HS students in year 4, and she stated that she had no clue what that will look like. Their enrollment goal is 100 students. Parents have shared that their own children are more motivated, turn in homework, and get along better with peers. Teachers say attendance and behavior have improved. Dr. Fullen shared about Riverview. He spoke at Coshocton's HS graduation this past year. Riverview has offered Lifewise for several years, running around 60% participation. Parent permission is required, and the student needs to want to participate. Kids have to give up recess, and agree with that. The types of topics taught: Character building - do not lie, do not steal, do not cheat. Teachers have commented on improvement in the classroom. Reinforce teachings by example. High rate of support from parents. They work with the school collaboratively, separation of church & state, the current K-3 participation at Riverview will be expanding to grades 4-6 this year. He stated that you see changes in children - bullies, meltdowns - learn to self-regulate. Lifewise is not asking for endorsement by the district, they ask for acknowledgement, a point of contact to communicate with, and a schedule that can provide time for classes.
Mark added that Nicole met with Mr. Meiser and him. They are looking at the master schedules and logistics are different for each school. He added that we have the advantage of a close facility. The district would start slowly - do it properly and continue to grow.
Mrs. Mann asked: How do you recruit teachers? Response: We use teachers from within, can hire, look for 4-year degrees, and look for teachers with a teaching background, who know about classroom management.
Do you have a specific number of students per teacher? Response: We try to keep the same guidelines as the school district. Teachers with volunteers as extra hands, so there are plenty of adults to help teachers.
Dr. Butcher asked for examples of programming that Lifewise can send so the board can see them. It was explained that there is a site the board can log into to see the curriculum. 24-hour access for copyright rules. She will share with Mark and will send them out.
9.
65.0-2025 Treasurer's Report and Recommendations
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following items:
Minutes
The vote recorded on this item is inclusive of items 9.2 through 9.8.
Motioned: Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member
Seconded: Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President
| Voter | Yes | No | Abstaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President | X | ||
| Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member | X | ||
| Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member | X | ||
| Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member | X | ||
| Mrs. Susan Mann, President | X |
9.1
Updates
June 30, 2025, Insurance Fund (024) balances are as follows:
Dental balance (9001) = $244966.33; Medical balance (9003) = 1,347,128.45; Combined total = $1,592,094.78
This balance is an increase of $777,524.39 over the June 2024 balance.
Minutes
Ms. Eyerman pointed out the insurance fund balance stating that it is increasing. This is a result of hitting the stop loss early in the year. It is allowing our balance to increase, but is not indicative of wellness of the district as large claims continue to come in, but the stop loss insurance we pay for is covering them.
9.2
65.1-2025 Monthly Financial Report
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the June 2025 Monthly Financial Summary.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 9.0.
Ms Eyerman presented the financials to the Board members.
Result: Approved
9.3
65.2-2025 End of Year Report of Grant Funds
It is recommended that the Board approve the total grant allocations that include adjustments since the original approval and the carry-over amount to FY2026 financial budget year and will continue to be expended through the end of the grant period that ends 9/30/2025.
Grant Name Fund Total FY25 Total Spent Balance Remaining
& SCC Allocation 6/30/2025 6/30/2025
Early Childhood Education 439-9225 $ 85,000.00 $ 70,751.00 $ 14,249.00
Parent Mentor 499-9225 $ 25,000.00 $ 20,308.48 $ 4,691.52
IDEA B Spec Education 516-9225 $ 469,909.04 $ 352,538.06 $ 117,370.98
Title I-A 572-9225 $ 838,647.24 $ 778,716.97 $ 59,930.27
Title IV-A 584-9425 $ 130,728.53 $ 63,214.46 $ 67,514.07
Early Childhood Spec Ed 587-9225 $ 11,300.34 $ 8,729.46 $ 2,570.88
Title IIA 590-9225 $ 118,162.75 $ 56,975.58 $ 61,187.17
Title V Rural/Low Income 599-9225 $ 107,544.22 $ 94,264.95 $ 13,279.27
Stronger Connections 584-9224 $ 3,040.96 $ 3,040.96 $ ----------------
$ 1,789,333.08 $ 1,448,539.92 $ 340,793.16
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 9.0.
Result: Approved
9.4
65.3-2025 Authority to Create Accounts and Transfer Funds
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the setup of fund 035-9125 - Termination Benefits and authorize the treasurer to move funds from the General Fund to the Termination of Benefits fund annually to calculate and set aside funds to pay employee severance in preparation for future retirements.
It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize the treasurer to work with the Auditor of State to determine a fund to set staff tuition reimbursement aside, and once established, authorize the treasurer to transfer funds from the general fund to the tuition reimbursement fund as determined in the negotiated agreements.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 9.0.
Result: Approved
9.5
65.4-2025 Fiscal Year 2025 Final Appropriations and Final Certificate of Estimated Resources
It is recommended that the Board of Education ratify the FY25 Final Appropriations and FY25 Final Certificate of Estimated Resources effective 6/30/2025.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 9.0.
Result: Approved
9.6
65.5-2025 Fiscal Year 2026 Temporary Appropriations and Certificate of Total Amount Available for Expenditures
It is recommended that the Board of Education ratify the FY26 Temporary Appropriations and the FY26 Certificate of Estimated Resources Available for Expenditures effective 6/30/2025.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 9.0.
Result: Approved
9.7
65.6-2025 Then and Now Certificates
It is recommended that the Board of Education certify the attached list of "Then and Nows" from the 2025 fiscal year, that exceed the $3,000 threshold set forth in ORC 5705.41 and as required by Board Purchasing and Bidding Policy #6320.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 9.0.
Result: Approved
9.8
65.7-2025 Annual Credit Card Report
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the attached annual report of rewards received as a result of credit card and online purchasing accounts.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 9.0.
Result: Approved
10.
66.0-2025 Business Items
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following business items:
Minutes
The vote recorded on this item is inclusive of items 10.1 through 10.7.
Motioned: Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member
Seconded: Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member
| Voter | Yes | No | Abstaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President | X | ||
| Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member | X | ||
| Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member | X | ||
| Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member | X | ||
| Mrs. Susan Mann, President | X |
10.1
66.1-2025 Independent Contractor Agreement
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following agreement with Sheri Fortune.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 10.0.
Not replacing a teacher - contractor to fill some needs help us get through the year. We are picking up pieces while we wait to see where the state budget falls for us.
Result: Approved
10.2
66.2-2025 Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center Agreement
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following agreement for non-public services for Sacred Heart.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 10.0.
Result: Approved
10.3
66.3-2025 Resolution Approval
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the attached Resolution Determining to Proceed with an Issue of Bonds that shall be submitted to the Board of Elections by August 6th to be presented to all of the electors in the entire territory of the School District at the election to be held on November 4, 2025.
RESOLUTION DETERMINING TO PROCEED WITH AN ISSUE
OF BONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,300,000 AND CERTIFYING
THE SAME TO THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS
(Ohio Revised Code Section 133.18)
WHEREAS, the Board passed a resolution (the “Resolution of Necessity”) at its meeting on June 26, 2025, declaring that it is necessary to issue bonds in the amount of $22,300,000 (the “Bonds”) for the purpose of constructing, renovating, repairing and improving school facilities, including constructing a new middle/high school and including under a program of the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission; furnishing and equipping the same; improving the sites thereof; and acquiring real estate and interests therein, and that it is necessary that a tax be annually levied on all the taxable property in the School District outside of the ten-mill limitation (the “Bond Levy”) to meet the debt charges on the Bonds and any securities issued in anticipation thereof; and
WHEREAS, the County Auditor of Coshocton County, Ohio (the “County Auditor”) has certified to the Board that, based on the School District’s current total taxable value of $223,095,000, an estimated average annual property tax levy of 5.2 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $182 for each $100,000 of the “county auditor’s appraised value” (as defined in Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.01(P)), will be required to pay the principal of and interest on the Bonds over 37 years, which is the maximum maturity of the Bonds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Coshocton City School District, Coshocton County, Ohio, a majority of all of the members thereof concurring, that:
1. The Board hereby determines that it is necessary to proceed with submitting the question of the issuance of the Bonds, in the amount and for the purpose described in the preambles to this Resolution, to the electors of the School District pursuant to and as authorized by Ohio Revised Code 133.18, and to levy, outside of the ten-mill limitation provided by law, an annual tax on all the taxable property in the entire territory of the School District to pay debt charges on the Bonds and any securities issued in anticipation thereof.
2. The Bonds shall be dated approximately December 1, 2025; shall have an estimated net average rate of interest of 4.86% per annum; and shall have the principal be paid over a maximum period not to exceed 37 years, as calculated under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 133.
3. The question of issuing the Bonds shall be submitted to all of the electors in the entire territory of the School District at the election to be held on November 4, 2025. All of the territory of the School District is located in Coshocton County, Ohio. The Bond Levy shall be an additional levy in effect upon the entire territory of the School District and will include a levy on the tax list and duplicate for the 2025 tax year (commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026), if approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon.
4. The form of the ballot to be used at said election shall be substantially as follows:
AFFIRMATIVE VOTE IS NECESSARY FOR PASSAGE
Shall bonds be issued by the Coshocton City School District for the purpose of constructing, renovating, repairing and improving school facilities, including constructing a new middle/high school and including under a program of the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission; furnishing and equipping the same; improving the sites thereof; and acquiring real estate and interests therein in the principal amount of $22,300,000, to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 37 years, and an annual levy of property taxes be made outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by the county auditor to average over the repayment period of the bond issue 5.2 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $182 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026, to pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, and to pay debt charges on any notes issued in anticipation of those bonds?
|
|
FOR THE BOND ISSUE |
|
|
AGAINST THE BOND ISSUE |
5. The Treasurer of the Board is hereby directed to immediately certify, not later than August 6, 2025 (which date is not less than 90 days prior to the Election Date), to the Board of Elections of Coshocton County, Ohio, a copy of the Resolution of Necessity and a copy of this Resolution together with the certificate of the County Auditor certifying the current total taxable value of the School District and the annual property tax levy, expressed in mills for each $1 of taxable value as well as in dollars for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, that will be required to pay the debt charges on the Bonds over the maximum maturity of the Bonds.
6. It is hereby found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning and relating to the passage of this Resolution were taken in an open meeting of this Board, and that all deliberations of this Board and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal action were in meetings open to the public in compliance with all legal requirements, including Ohio Revised Code 121.22.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 10.0.
2nd time on the ballot for new HS
Result: Approved
10.4
66.4-2025 Agreement of Services
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Agreement of Services for security personnel for the 2024-25 & the 2025-26 school year.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 10.0.
Result: Approved
10.5
66.5-2025 Title IX Coordinators 2025-26 School Year
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve Matt Nicholas and Kayley Andrews as co-Title IX Coordinators for the 2025-26 school year and authorize a $1000 stipend be paid to each of them.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 10.0.
Result: Approved
10.6
66.6-2025 School Resource Officer Agreement
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the School Resource Officer Agreement between the Coshocton County Sheriff and Coshocton City Schools for the period of August 21, 2025 through May 30, 2026 not to exceed $50,000.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 10.0.
deputyWilt will be back with us again thi syear.
Result: Approved
10.7
66.7-2025 Driver Education Proposal
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Driver Education Proposal for the 2025/2026 School Year as presented.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 10.0.
We own the driver's ed car, We looked at the continuation of this program from a financial perspective. We contract with a service from Cambridge for in-car and classroom instruction. At this time, the program pays for itself each year and is a good opportunity for our students.
Result: Approved
11.
67.0-2025 Superintendent Report and Recommendations
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following items:
Minutes
The vote recorded on this item is inclusive of items 11.2 through 11.7.
Motioned: Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President
Seconded: Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member
| Voter | Yes | No | Abstaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President | X | ||
| Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member | X | ||
| Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member | X | ||
| Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member | X | ||
| Mrs. Susan Mann, President | X |
11.1
Updates
11.2
67.1-2025 Personnel
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following personnel items pending required paperwork, licensure, and BCI/FBI Background checks. Salary placement is per the negotiated agreement subject to verification of degree and experience:
- New Employees
- Lori Burris - Educational Assistant
- Peighton Lahna - Educational Assistant 1:1
- Rebecca Fletcher - EMIS Coordinator - effective 8/2/2025
- Kindall Shaw - School Nurse-BA-0
- Garrett Rice - CHS Substitute Teacher for the 2025-26 SY
- Daphne Patterson - CES Substitute Teacher for the 2025-26 SY
- Resignations/Retirements
- Wesley Woodie - Resignation effective 6/30/2025
- Nathan Prati - Resignation effective 7/31/2025
- Rebecca Fletcher - Retirement effective 7/31/2025
- Barbara Breen - Resignation effective 8/1/2025
- Garrett Rice - Football 7th Grade
- Salary Adjustments
- Cari Weaver - MA +30
- Kimberlee Kulczycki - MA +30
- Jacqueline Prouty - MA +15
- Jordan Haumschild - MA +45
- 2025-2026 Athletic Supplemental Positions
- Caleb Anderson- Football 8th Grade - Level 1
- Geno Swigert - Basketball Varsity Assistant - Level 3
- Braden Young - Basketball JV - Level 2
- Gaven Williams - Basketball Freshmen - Level 1
- Conner Roahrig - Basketball 7th Grade - Level 2
- Scott Loomis - Baseball Varsity Head Coach - Level 3
- Peighton Lahna - Softball Varsity Head Coach - Level 1
- Braydon Johns - Football Varsity Assistant - Level 1
- Eric Bickel - Football 7th Grade - Level 1
- Garrett Rice - Football Varsity Assistant - Level 2
- Reassignments and Transfers
- Molly Thomas - 10-month Administrative Assistant effective 2025-26 SY (CMS/CHS)
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 11.0.
Result: Approved
11.3
67.2-2025 Job Descriptions
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Administrative Job Descriptions presented.
- Director of Student Services
- Director of Technology
- Daycare Program Teacher
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 11.0.
Result: Approved
11.4
67.3-2025 Federal Programs Grants, Allocations, and Plan
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the following Grant Allocations and Purchasing Plans for the 2026 fiscal year:
- Title 1-A Improving Basic Programs - $854,231.42
- Title V - Rural and Low-Income - $28,685.36
- IDEA-B Special Education - $480,833.93
- IDEA Early Childhood Special Education - $8,838.66
- Early Childhood Education - $191,250
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 11.0.
Result: Approved
11.5
67.4-2025 SWSF & DPIA Plan for the 25/26 School Year
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Student Wellness Success Funds and Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aide Plan for the 2025-2026 school year.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 11.0.
Result: Approved
11.6
67.5-2025 Exempt Employee Contracts
It is recommended the Board approve contracts for the following exempt employees:
- Rebecca Fletcher, EMIS Coordinator beginning August 2, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 11.0.
This is rehire after retirement.
Result: Approved
11.7
67.6-2025 Unpaid Leave
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve unpaid leave for Jeri Dawson (2 days) on September 4, 2025 and September 5, 2025.
Minutes
The vote for this item is recorded on item 11.0.
Result: Approved
12.
68.0-2025 Executive Session
It is recommended that the Board of Education enter into Executive Session for the purpose of:
Minutes
The board voted to enter executive session to discuss employment of a public employee and an update on OAPSE negotiations, at 8:27 a.m. The board exited executive session at 8:38 a.m.
Result: Approved
Motioned: Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member
Seconded: Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member
| Voter | Yes | No | Abstaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President | X | ||
| Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member | X | ||
| Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member | X | ||
| Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member | X | ||
| Mrs. Susan Mann, President | X |
13.
Board Discussion Items
Minutes
Josh Predovich came to speak to the Board with an update related to the May election results and how the strategy will need to change for the November election.
14.
Announcements
Minutes
Fall meet the teams is August 12 at Stewart Field at 6:00pm
15.
Next Meeting(s)
Regular Meeting - August 28, 2025 at 6:30 pm at Coshocton Elementary School.
16.
69.0-2025 Adjournment
It is recommended that the Board of Education adjourn the meeting.
Minutes
The meeting adjourned at 9:24 a.m.
Result: Approved
Motioned: Mrs. Susan Mann, President
Seconded: Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President
| Voter | Yes | No | Abstaining |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. David Shutt, Vice-President | X | ||
| Mrs. Stacey Ganz, Board Member | X | ||
| Mr. Sam Bennett, Board Member | X | ||
| Dr. Jere Butcher, Board Member | X | ||
| Mrs. Susan Mann, President | X |
