Barnesville Schools Receive 3.5 Overall Rating for Test Scores
The Ohio Department of Education released its 2024–25 school report cards, providing new data on student achievement and postsecondary success. According to the department, the report cards reflect the state’s commitment to preparing every student for success.
Three years ago, Ohio dropped letter grades, moving to an overall 1-to-5-star system, with half-star increments. More than 90% of districts statewide earned three stars or higher this year, meeting or exceeding state expectations.
Curriculum Director Clint Abbott reported the ratings from each of the three schools’ test scores at last Thursday evening’s school board meeting. Abbott reported that test scores for each school in the district met or exceeded state standards, with the high school receiving three stars, the elementary four stars and the middle school four and a half stars. Overall, the district received three and a half stars.
CURRICULUM REPORT
A staff resources day will be held Sept. 24. Technology professionals will provide teachers information on a variety of areas to make their time more effective. Information will include Apple training, how to use iPads more effectively, Artificial Intelligence and more.
MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT
Principal Casey Mayo praised students selected as Characters of the Month. The award honors and highlights those who exemplify characteristics, such as respect. Teachers select the honorees and Mayo provides each student with a gift of appreciation.
The Belmont County Staying Clean Club for sixth through eighth graders has 157 students in the program, who make a commitment to staying drug and alcohol free. The students also take a drug test administered through the Belmont County court.
Mayo said when the district initiated academic probation and suspension for the student athletes, the goal was to hold them accountable first as students and then allow them to display their talents as athletes.
Mayo also discussed the state report cards. He said attendance affects the schools across the district. About 20.4% of students from middle school were chronic absentees, which means they missed roughly 19-25 days of school through the course of the year. He said the district is battling attendance issues.
HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
Homecoming skits will be presented around 12:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at the high school.
The Grit Assessment will be given Oct. 6. This assessment is required by the grant that pays for the school’s career navigator program.
Principal Ron Clark said he’s proud to say 196 students have joined the public service Key Club this year, and 109 Art Club students painted windows around the village for the Pumpkin Festival.
“That really makes me happy to see our kids out doing things for the community like that,” Clark said.
Molly Caplet is helping the school with its teacher-based teams and math team on new state requirements for math.
A free application for Federal Student Aid will be offered on Oct. 23 during the first parent teacher conference night.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT
Members from East Central Ohio Service Center will help schools with teacher-based teams and district leadership teams. Principal Zack Powell said he believes having the ECO staff around will help streamline and improve current systems and build tier one instruction and to see how that translates into tiers two and three instruction.
FOOD REPORT
The Nutrition Group food director, Brian Saner, reported some new activities this month. The group added a salsa bar and ramen bar to the cafeterias. September’s Taking Nutrition Global features Mexico. Elementary students completed a pinata craft related as part of the program.
They are also planning a farm support program where local farmers will come to the schools for a meet the farmer event.
A couple of Wellness Wednesdays are planned this month at the elementary school as a way to introduce students to new healthy foods and broaden their palates.
Saner also discussed the new faculty menu. Staff has an opportunity to say what they would like on the menu. It’s an exclusive meal deal where for around $6 staff can order in the morning and the meal will be ready for lunch.
Saner reviewed last year’s numbers. The company was a little under budget on breakfast but the savings were were lost on lunches. For the year, Nutrition Group was $300 short, equal to one day of operation.
In order to comply with state standards, the district utilizes several techniques and internal safeguards. The district only purchases from vetted vendors that meet nutritional standards, label products so they are precise, and include fresh fruits and vegetables to help students make healthy decisions about their meals. Cafeteria staff also take part in nutritional education exercises a minimum of two times per year as well as hazard education training for food and safety.
SERVICES REPORT
Director of Transportation and Maintenance, John Blattler, said the new cellular-based radio system for buses continues to be an issue most notably with ID problems between portables and mobiles. Blattler noted the buses and systems are safe, but they do not identify the person speaking when using the radios.
DONATIONS
Donations in August included $2,000 from Barnesville 200 Club, $100 from Tim and Liz McKelvey for the high school band, $3,300 from the Goaliners Club to purchase an end zone camera, and $12,050 from the Sinclair Foundation split between the middle and high school libraries.
A pledge payment of $500 for the stadium turf and lighting project was received from Micah and Stephanie Fuchs
TREASURER RECOMMENDATIONS
The board approved the treasurer recommendations for faculty adult menu prices and the Fall Forecast for the district.
SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATIONS
The board approved the following superintendent recommendations for personnel including hiring Kayla Milburn and Heidi Yager as 3.75-hour educational aides with a retroactive date of Sept. 8 and Ethan Travis as a 210 Day Groundskeeper/Floater.
Substitute aide, cook and secretary contracts for 2025-2026 school year were approved for Casey Vanhorn, Laura Tindall and Mindy Howell, and a Substitute Medical Professional contract was inked for Natalie Anderson.
School tutors for 2025-2026 school year at $25 per hour will include Jamie Carpenter, Matt Johnson and Natasha Shilling at the middle school, as well as Stephanie Miller and Ashley Campbell at the elementary school.
After School Detention Monitors for 2025-2026 school year hired on an as needed basis at $15 per hour include Mercy Phillips, Karmen Pavell, Christy Smith and Trisha Zaccagnini.
Volunteer assistant wrestling coaches approved at the meeting are Chris Ford, Michael Aberegg, Quentin Castello and Zack Powell.
The board also adopted a Career Advising Plan for the District.
Prior to the agenda portion of the meeting, the board entered into executive session to consider employment matters and to prepare for conducting or reviewing negotiations with public employees concerning compensation or other terms and conditions of employment.
The next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Middle School Cafetorium.
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