School Resource Officer Secured, Superintendent’s Contract Approved
New School Resource Officer Appointed
At the July 15 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Micah Fuchs announced that a Barnesville Police Department officer will serve as the new full-time school resource officer at the elementary school this fall. Chief Rocky Sirianni secured village council’s approval for this new position. Officer Cody Daugherty, a longtime member of the department, will fill the role and continue patrol duties when school is not in session.
Superintendent’s Contract Extension
After an executive session, the board approved a five-year contract extension for Superintendent Micah Fuchs. The new agreement will run from August 2026 through July 2031. Fuchs has led the district since August 1, 2021.
Middle School Updates
Principal Casey Mayo shared that updates and revisions to the student handbook, aimed at aligning the language between the middle and high schools, are complete. Mayo is also sourcing lumber to construct benches and tables for the pavilion area outside the middle school cafeteria. Several tables have been donated, and much of the furniture project is being funded by a grant from the Barnesville Area Education Foundation.
Board members inquired about the middle school’s rooftop clock located above the main entrance. Mayo reported he has contacted potential installers and hopes to use any leftover grant funds from the furniture project to replace the clock, if approved by the education foundation. The estimated replacement cost is $1,800.
Support Services Report
Director John Blattler reported that Energy Optimizers, USA is progressing on district HVAC upgrades. Correct boiler pumps and parts for the new elementary school chiller have been installed, though some electrical issues remain with the chiller equipment. Blattler is collaborating with the company to resolve these problems, with completion expected by the end of July.
This summer, Allegheny Restoration will reseal windows and paint lintels on the first floor of the Church Street side of the elementary school as well as the second floor of the 1940s building. Additionally, a new handicap door opener for the high school will be installed later this month.
Elementary School Report
Principal Zack Powell reported that summer school is running smoothly, and the kindergarten transition camp will begin at the end of July. Painting at the front of the building has been completed, and staff members are preparing for the start of the school year.
Pledges
The board accepted June pledges of $1,000 from Muxie Distributing and $10,000 from Belmont Savings Bank.
Board Approvals
- An audiology contract with East Central Ohio ESC for fiscal year 2026, with services estimated at $2,827.08.
- Treasurer Adam Quirk recommended—and the board approved—increases in lunch prices for the 2025-2026 school year: $3 for elementary, $3.25 for middle and high school students, ensuring compliance with state guidelines.
- An addendum to the lease with the CAC of Belmont County Head Start Program and Barnesville Village School District, effective October 1 through September 30, 2026.
- An agreement with Freepoint Energy Solutions as the district’s electrical supplier for a 48-month term beginning December 1.
- Approval of 47 substitute employees for the 2025-2026 school year.
- Approval of preschool, elementary, middle, and high school handbooks, along with the volunteer handbook for 2025-2026.
- Approval of 27 one-year supplemental employee contracts and three volunteer contracts for the 2025-2026 year.
- Acceptance of preschool teacher Heidi Velas’s resignation and awarding the vacant position to Brittany Baker.
- Approval of transportation services between the district and Heritage Early Learning Center on E. Main Street for the 2025-2026 year.
Upcoming Meetings
The Board of Education will hold a special session on Thursday, July 24 at 7 a.m. in the school administrative offices to complete hiring for the upcoming school year.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, at 5:30 p.m., in the middle school cafetorium.
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