Instructor, Robotics Coach Submits Resignation

(Bruce Yarnall photo)

by Bruce Yarnall, Barnesville Area News

A unique piece of national and local history adorns the entrance to Barnesville High School. This huge brass bell that was molded in Baltimore before it was displayed at the Great Paris Exposition of 1878. After returning to this side of the Atlantic, it was purchased and installed in the new Central School bell tower in 1880.

After that building was replaced by the current c.1940 elementary school, it was positioned on the roof of the new school and rung after sports victories. When the newest elementary building was constructed, it was removed eventually finding its way to the current high school.         

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At the March 20 Barnesville Board Meeting, the resignation of Jon Jordan, Project Lead the Way instructor for the district at the conclusion of the current school year.

During the unanimous vote call, Board member Janice Milligan noted her vote was “with deep regret.”  Reached the next day, Jordan said he has accepted a similar position at Shenandoah Schools for the coming year.  

Jordan’s departure will thankfully come after two of the two middle school teams will compete for the fourth year in a row at the Vex World Championships in Dallas, Texas May 9-11.

This past week Superintendent Micah Fuchs said the district is actively searching for a replacement for the popular teacher. The position is currently posted.

During the meeting, the Board approved the trip to Texas while Jordan said the parent support group has raised the funds to make the trip possible.

Personnel

In other personnel matters, the Board non-renewed 16 supplemental contracts for winter sports coaches.

Two substitutes for the remainder of the school year were hired. They are Halle Ralston, substitute  educational aide, and Dale Bunting, substitute bus driver and floater.

Two assistant baseball coaches were approved “pending all required paperwork”. They are Cade Hannahs and Zach Thompson.

Building and Grounds

A purchase order and contract for $195,836.29 for the Middle School roof replacement project was issued to Saup-Hartley Roofing Company of Adamsville, OH following the recommendation of Dennis Madama of Shaeffer & Madama, Inc., a Wheeling architect hired to assist the District with building matters.      

During the Administrative Reports portion of the meeting, John Blattler introduced Dale Lepi of LEPI Enterprises, Inc., of Zanesville.

Lepi recently tested mold conditions at the downtown elementary school. He reported no evidence of mold conditions at the time of testing. He also provided a tutorial on what creates mold inside and outside of buildings and how to avoid conditions favorable for its development.

Donations

Donations totaling $7,300 were accepted.  Of this this amount, $3,400 in donations from J-Mo Meats, American Legion Post #168, Starr’s Used Cars, Inc., BPOE Elks #1699, Barnesville Antique Mall, Barnesville Vision Center, ML Group LLC, Rumer Loudin and Williams Companies are earmarked for the robotics competition; $1,400 from the Barnesville Area Education Foundation and the Capital Foundation will help fund the 7^th grade field trips; and a $2,500 grant from the Barnesville Education Foundation will go towards the 2025 Senior Trip.

Under sports, the Shamrock 200 club donated $1,000 for the stadium turf/lighting project.  

Financial

Transfers recommended by Treasurer Adam Quirk totaling over $306,000 were approved as was a Resolution approving the amounts and rates set by the Budget Commission for FY 2025. This amounts to  $6,717,976.92 from the district’s 39.20 Mills while a separate Permanent Improvement Fund of 1.25 mills is valued at $348,627.83.

A purchase order for $13,650 for the Florida Farm Bureau authorizes the purchase of strawberries for the annual FFA sale.

Administrative Reports

During the reporting session by principals and administrative state, Board members learned from athletic director Brad Hannahs that 10 boys are interested in OVAC-sanctioned officiating classes.

Hannahs also acknowledged concerns expressed by the public about the 2025 varsity football schedule when the Shamrocks will play two downstate West Virginia teams.  Hannahs noted the game with George Washington of Charlestown will be a home game.

Still undecided is the location for the Raleigh County Independence High School at Coal City, WV on September 26. The two schools are separated by 238 miles via I-77. The game is currently scheduled as an away game. Hannahs is trying to locate a more central location for the contest focusing on the Parkersburg-Marietta area.

Three teams from the 2024 season opted not to renew with the Shamrocks – River, Shadyside and Shenandoah which explains the long-distance matchups.   

Hannahs noted the 2026 season is already a lock with teams from the Buckeye 8 League the district joined last year filling open slots.

Upcoming sporting events that will impact the community include the annual Flag Floors Junior High Track tournament at the school track on April 12. Drawing almost a dozen teams, parents and supporters,  it brings many people to Barnesville.   

Hannahs also shared the new speakers are up and ready in the high school gymnasium.

Middle School Principal Casey Mayo provided an update on the hunters’ classes offered though the district. There are between 80-85 students interested in the elective class initiated by local resident Jamie Carpenter. Steve Fisher is the staff instructor for the class.  Recently 28 students passed their tests for certification.

Mayo also announced that the Cutting Class for a Cure Day set for May 16 will be open to the public this year thanks to additional help from the Barnesville Police Department.

High School Principal Ron Clark said the Blood Bash moves this year from the first Friday in May to the second week on May 9^th to avoid conflict with the high school prom that will take place on May 3.

Elementary School Principal Zach Powell said the spring art show at the Watt Center is set for April 26-27.

In other Business

A total of 16 policy updates were approved ranging from dangerous weapons in schools, bomb threats and violent conduct to college credit plus. 

The board approved the April 24, 2027, high school prom location as the new Shady Lane Event Center.

The school calendar was approved as was a Resolution for Inter-District Open Enrollment Guidelines for the 2025-2026 school year.

The April meeting will take place on Thursday, April 17 in the Middle School Cafetorium at 5:30.