Barnesville School Board Votes on Personnel Contracts

by Lisa Gallagher, Barnesville Area News

In the BMS Cafetorium, the Barnesville School Board met on April 17, 2025. After public participation, the Board heard administrator reports. High School Principal Ron Clark shared the high school’s upcoming spring events, including the traditional Blood Bash on May 9th and the Senior Awards Assembly on May 12th at 1:00 PM. Clark continued by stating that all three schools have had their Purple Star Award renewed for the next three years. This distinction is for schools that show a commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.

Middle School Principal Casey Mayo reported that next year’s schedules are ready, and the middle school will begin transitioning students next month, so next fall will go smoothly. Cutting Class for a Cure will be on May 16th. This year, thanks to the Barnesville Police Department providing extra security, the event will be open to the public. Casey finished by stating that on May 19th at 11:00 AM, the 8th Grade Graduation would take place at the high school.

Zach Powell, the Elementary School Principal, discussed the need for additional summer school teachers, including Accelerated Reader and Transition to Kindergarten. People interested in the positions must have a substitute teacher or teacher license to apply. Third and fourth graders completed the Ohio state reading test. The mathematics state test will be given during the last week of April.

Athletic Director Brad Hannahs shared that the Shamrock Diamond Classic was won by Olentangy Orange. The Varsity softball team has a 12-2 record. Hannahs attended a Buckeye 8 meeting about opportunities for junior high students.

Grounds and Transportation Director John Blattler said that extracurricular bus trips are increasing. Even with a driver shortage, trips are being completed. During the windstorm last week, the high school flag pole blew to a significant slant. Blattler shared that Rick Bostic brought a wrecker and thankfully, helped take the pole down without any damage.

During committee reports, Treasurer Adam Quirk updated the Board on the Insurance Committee meeting. Schwendeman Agency presented information about the district’s health insurance claim history. This year, the premiums will increase 9%, which is lower than last year’s increase. Quirk continued that the committee was presented with information about a new carrier, Anthem Blue Shield. Schwendeman indicated that the coverage was the same as the current carrier. Quirk stated that the district’s staff would be educated about the new plan, and he asked that the Board read the provided information. The treasurer would like the Board to vote in May for the switch.

The Board entered into executive session, which lasted approximately 1 1/2 hours, to consider employment, the investigation of charges or complaints against an employee, official, or student, and for matters required to be kept confidential by Federal law or State statutes.

The Treasurer recommended and the Board approved transfers of funds totalling $209,889.10. The Board continued by approving $318,960 amended appropriations for FY2025 and $251,555 amended revenues for FY2025. Finally Quirk recommended that the Board approve two purchase orders for a total of $140,447 for new science curriculum materials. The Board voted to purchase the new curriculum for grades 2-12.

Donations accepted during March included: MS Robotics $1050, Class of 2027 $224.08, HS Music Department $1050, HS Art Club $300, and ES Frosty Friday $35. The donations were made by Triple B Trucking, Hissom’s Service Center, McDonald’s, Malaga Garden Center, Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, Quanex, Barnesville Mothers Club and VFW Post #2792.

Superintendent Micah Fuchs began his recommendations with administrative contracts. The Board approved the following contracts pending all required paperwork is completed and on file: Casey Mayo, 3-year Middle School Principal; Brad Hannahs, 2-year Athletic Director; and Ron Clark, 3-year High School Principal.

The following people were approved for the position of full-time educational aide for the 2025-2026 school year: Becky Detling, Melissa Nugent, and Marie Stephen.

Other personnel actions included awarding continuing contracts to the following certified staff beginning with the 2025-2026 school year: Mindy Acton and Dylan Rogers.

Brianna Leach was granted a certified limited one-year probationary contract beginning with the 2025-2026. Brianna will be the new Middle School PLTW teacher.

One-year supplemental contracts for the 2025-2026 school year were awarded and include: Baylee Rex, Junior High Volleyball Coach; Ty Leach, Head Girls’ Basketball Coach; Brian Clark, Junior High Girls’ Basketball Coach; Shane Stephens, Head Boys’ Basketball Coach; Jayson Stephen, Head Wrestling Coach; Rick Milhoan, Assistant Wrestling Coach; Mariah Shumaker, Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach; Jenny Richey, Junior High Girls’ Basketball Coach; Chad Hall, Head Bowling Coach; and Bobbi Jo Johnson, Head Swim Coach.

The following people were approved for volunteer positions: Clarissa Kernen, Volunteer Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, and Joe Bell, Volunteer Assistant Bowling Coach.

Other approved items included the 2025 After-Prom being held at BHS on Saturday, May 3rd. All activities have been planned and organized by the Barnesville Mothers Club. Students can sign up in the high school office.

The Board approved the list of students for graduation provided they satisfactorily complete all requirements set forth by the Board of Education with no pending fines, fees, or disciplinary actions. This year there are 90 seniors and 2 juniors graduating.

Finally, an overnight field trip to Phipps Conservatory and Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh from May 15-16, 2025, for the High School Psychology/Sociology PBIS World Perspectives activity, was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM. The next Barnesville School Board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Middle School Cafetorium.