Barnesville BOE Moves Forward on HS Parking Lot Project
The Building and Grounds Committee met the previous week to review bids for phase one of the parking lot improvement project at the high school. At the March BOE regular meeting, Director of Building & Grounds John Blattler explained that this includes a road’s width of concrete from the high school’s main entrance along the sidewalk to the far corner of the high school’s gymnasium. The project also includes new sidewalks.
Board member Leslie Schulz asked about a zero entrance at the main entrance. Blattler said that a zero entrance was not considered, but the handicap accessibility would remain the same as it is now.
Later in the meeting, the Board awarded the bid for phase one of the project to Bostic Concrete Services for the base bid and three alternates, based on the recommendation of the Mills Group, for the amount of $282,565.
The Barnesville Board of Education recognized the cheerleaders, swimmers, bowlers and wrestlers. Each team’s coach spoke and introduced their team members, who received recognition certificates from the Board.
Administrator Reports
High School Principal Ron Clark acknowledged that the high school winter athletes who were recognized are also model students. Clark shared that cheerleader Ella Nugent won the Barnesville Queen of Queens contest and will represent BHS in July at the OVAC Queen of Queens Pageant. He encouraged the Board to attend one of the six performances of The Wizard of Oz by the Shamrock Theater Department. BHS has been designated as a Stay in the Game school, marking the second year of participation in the program, which encourages attendance.
Middle School Principal Casey Mayo shared that one of the middle school robotics teams qualified for the world championship in St. Louis. Teachers Lacy Gallagher and Brittany Stephens advised the MS team for the Belmont County Scholastic Challenge. The students participated virtually. The team finished in third place.
Elementary School Principal Zach Powell informed the Board that the elementary school did not receive the STEM Designation. The district will continue to work toward the designation and will have opportunities to collaborate to gain insight into the process. Powell stated that it is a learning process that can take 3-5 years.
Director of Food & Nutrition Brian Saner discussed a pilot program at the middle school called Lunch Box Helper. Students who pack their lunches and need more to eat can get, for example, French fries, a cheese stick and a bag of crackers. Saner explained that this is a win-win situation. The students get enough to eat, and the school can count this as a meal for reimbursement. So far, the program has been successful, and the plans are to expand it to the other schools. National Waffle Day will be celebrated in all three buildings. The students learned about Thailand’s food and culture this month.
Director of Building & Grounds John Blattler informed the Board about storm damage that occurred from the previous weekend. Unfortunately, three large pine trees fell at the stadium, landing on a neighbor’s shed and destroying it. The Johnson house lost a 10 x 10-foot area of shingles. The middle school had some ridge caps blow off. On the positive side, no leaks were located on Monday in any of the buildings.
Blatter also shared that the middle school clock was set to be replaced with new controls. The clock face will be lit at night. Also, the high school cafeteria’s dishwasher has quit working. Since purchasing a new one is more cost-effective, bids will be obtained for a new one.
The Board entered into executive session at 6:16 pm to consider employment, details of security arrangements, and consideration of confidential information relating to a variety of situations. After 50 minutes, the Board returned to the cafetorium to continue the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report/Recommendations
The Board approved a donation to the softball team from Tom and Cathy Morrison in memory of Buck Starr.
The Board approved the amounts and rates determined by the Budget Commission for fiscal year 2027. For the general fund, the total of 39.20 mills will generate $6,717,976.92, and for the permanent improvement fund, 1.25 mills will generate $362,710.90. Treasurer Adam Quirk confirmed that this information was the “missing puzzle piece” for the required February Fiscal Forecast. The certified amounts are slightly higher than Quirk’s estimates, which is encouraging news about the district’s fiscal health.
The Board authorized the filing of an original tax valuation complaint against property for the tax year 2025 regarding parcels 42-02588.000 and 42-01823.000 that research on the Belmont County Auditor’s website reveals the parcels are located at 110 East South Street and are owned by Pranay Properties, LLC. Board President Ed Eberhart asked if the property owner would be notified. Treasurer Quirk confirmed that they would be notified seven days before the meeting.
The Board approved the following purchases:
- $11,610.90 to Florida Farm Bureau for FFA strawberry sales
- $12,000.00 to The Good Fellers’ LLC for emergency tree removal for damages from a recent storm
- $46,582.65 to GovConnection, Inc. for Middle School networking equipment and connectivity supplies (80% reimbursable with E-rate)
The Board approved the following agreements:
- Oil & Gas Lease between the Barnesville Exempted Village School District (BEVSD) Board and Gulfport Appalachia, LLC
- Five-year agreement between the BEVSD Board and OME-RESA for internet access
- Service agreement between Ohio Hills Health Centers and the BEVSD Board for bus driver medical examinations for the 2026-27 school year
Superintendent’s Report/Recommendations
Personnel
The Board accepted the retirement of Melissa McMillen at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. McMillen is a Title I teacher who provides reading interventions for elementary students. McMillen has 32 years of teaching experience.
The Board awarded the vacant Title I position for the 2026-27 to Mindy Acton, who is currently a Barnesville second-grade teacher.
The Board issued a one-year classified probationary contract to Carina Morris for a 3.75 hour cook position effective March 23, 2026.
The Board approved Louise Dyer as a substitute aide, cook, and secretary for the 2025-26 school year.
The Board non-renewed all winter athletic supplemental contracts, which is a standard move following each season.
The Board approved Baylee Rex and Kinzie Kaplet for one-year supplemental contracts for the 2026-27 school year as assistant junior high volleyball coaches.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The Board approved an overnight field trip for qualifying middle school robotic team members to the VEX Robotics Worlds Competition, on April 25-27 in St. Louis.
The Board approved the 2026 high school prom for April 25 at the Barnesville Elks Lodge.
The Board also approved the 2026 After Prom at the high school. The Barnesville Mothers’ Club will plan and organize all supervised activities.
Other Business
The Board adopted the Inter-District Open Enrollment Guidelines for the 2026-27 school year. Open enrollment is now open through April 30. The application is accessible on the school’s website under quick links.
The Board adopted the 2026-27 school calendar.
The Board decided to table the recommendation to approve a 3-year contract to LifeTouch for the school pictures beginning next school year. President Eberhart stated that the Board would like more research before accepting the contract.
The Board accepted the updates to the policy 8.20 — Prohibition Against Purchase of Certain Foods. Director of Food & Nutrition Brian Saner assured the Board that our food services do not purchase these items.
Superintendent Micah Fuchs asked the Board to review the Student Services Annual Report for the 2024-25 school year.
Under new business, the Board was advised that the Business Advisory Council Joint Statement has been added to our website.
The April Barnesville BOE meeting will take place April 23 at 5:30 pm in the Middle School Cafetorium instead of the regularly scheduled date of April 16.
Disclaimer: Author Lisa Gallagher for Barnesville Area News is an employee of the Barnesville Exempted Village School District.
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