SIDNEY — A motion to terminate the contract of a custodian for the district was defeated during the recent Fairlawn Local School’s Board of Education meeting.
The board voted on whether or not to end the employment of Mark Ward, who has been indicted by the Shelby County grand jury on one count of illegal cultivation of marijuana and one count of possessing criminal tools. The board defeated the motion 2-3 with Rita Gilfillen, Bob Gold and Tony Bensman voting no, while Matt Caldwell and Andy Brautigam voted yes.
When contacted about why he voted against the motion, Gold responded, “The recent events regarding Mr. Ward are disappointing and disheartening. He has been charged, but not yet convicted , nor admitted guilt to any of the charges. I am satisfied that the administration has taken timely and proper actions to remove Mr. Ward from his duties at the school. That being considered, I feel that the legal system should be allowed to proceed to a point where he is proven guilty or innocent. That is the point in time, in my opinion, where a vote to terminate his employment would be warranted.”
According to Superintendent Steve Mascho, Gold, Gilfillen and Bensman voted no because they want the legal system to be complete before any action is taken. Ward remains on unpaid administrative leave throughout the process.
Supplemental contracts were awarded for various coaching positions within the district.
Adam Lessing was given a one-year contract to continue as head baseball coach for the 2015-16 school year. He will be paid $3,691.50.
Kevin Stapleton and Danielle Monnier will serve as co-head softball coaches for the upcoming year. Each will be paid $2,407.50.
“The is what the two softball coaches preferred to do and we agreed that it was a good way to do it. They are returning coaches,” said Mascho.
Tim Cummings will be returning as varsity track coach. He will be paid $3,691. Caldwell voted no on the motion.
The board awarded a contract to Tod Heckman to serve as junior high track coach. He will be paid $2,696.40.
Bob Gold was approved as a volunteer with the softball program. Gold abstained from voting.
In other business, the board:
• Adopted Policy IJA Career Advising.
• Approved the December band concert to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015.
• Approved the bus routes for the 2015-26 school year and authorize the superintendent to approve modifications or changes as necessary.
• Accepted a donation of $250 to the Drama Club from Honda “Dollars for Doers” grant via Bob Gold.
• Awarded a one-year, limited contract to Gary Clark as aide for the 2015-16 school year at $10.98 per hour
• Awarded a one-year, limited contract to Meghan Lavey as aide for the 2015-16 school year at $10.06 per hour
• Approved Kendra Berryman, Brianna Bertke, Susan Carr, Roxanne Chivington, Kerry DuLaney, Sara Hull, Seth Middleton, Carie New and Betsy Spence as a substitute teacher for the 2015-16 school year at the rate of $80 per day.
The board will hold a special meeting Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 122 at the school to discuss the possible purchase of land adjacent to the school site.
The next regular meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 122 at the school.
