SIDNEY — In a move that’s been the norm in the Fairlawn Local School District for more than 30 years, the board of education on Thursday passed a resolution of need for the renewal of an emergency real estate tax levy.
If passed, the money raised through the levy would be placed in the general fund.
The board voted 4-0 in favor of the levy. Board member Andy Brautigam was not in attendance. At the June 8 meeting, the board is expected to vote on placing it on the November ballot.
Treasurer Scott Doseck said the five-year levy would match the 2.9 mills currently in place that is generating approximately $150,000. He said the levy, voted on every five years, has been in place since around 1980. The county auditor will provide an exact millage for the ballot language, he added.
Superintendent Jeff Hobbs said the word “emergency” is somewhat misleading, but necessary. To keep the renewal as it’s been over the past three decades, the wording cannot be changed. The district is not in a financial emergency, he explained.
Hobbs said the levy amount will not change and taxpayers have approved the measure for a long time. The funds would continue to be used in any manner the board deems necessary, he said.
Doseck also reported the proposed state budget does not contain good news for the Fairlawn district. As the proposal moves to the Ohio Senate for approval, Doseck estimates Fairlawn could lose $134,000, if the state budget is passed as is.
Hobbs also reported that plans are underway to provide transportation for six students who attend Shelby Hills Early Childhood Center. He reported that state rules changed, indicating Shelby Hills does not have to provide transportation unless students have major disabilities as part of their assessments.
The superintendent said two of the Fairlawn students would qualify, but felt the district needs to provide transportation for all the students. He claimed the rates for transportation were too high, and is considering a travel plan for the district.
Hobbs also spoke of the Small School Advisory Network meeting. He spoke of an opportunity for the district to apply for a $20,000 grant for use towards the purchase of a new school bus.
In other action, the board:
• Recognized senior Jared Hina with a certificate honoring him for joining the U.S. Army National Guard upon graduation.
• Hired Tonya Slonaker as high school guidance counselor for next school year. She is currently in the same position at Russia High School.
• Employed Jill Smith and Elisabeth Baker as intervention specialists.
• Awarded one-year contracts for girls basketball coaches to Gavin Cathcart, varsity; Billy Shoffner, varsity assistant; and Taylor Hughes, eighth grade.
• Approved one-year contracts for boys basketball coaches to Justin Tidwell, varsity; Dustin Oates, varsity assistant; Dennis Davis, junior varsity; David Heintz, eighth grade; and Andy Brautigam, freshman volunteer.
• Issued one-year contracts for girls volleyball coaches to Stacy Hamaker, varsity assistant; Ashley Miller, eighth grade; and Kara Short, seventh grade.
• Accepted the resignation of Jamie Fridley as soccer coach. He has accepted the same position at Sidney High School.
• Agreed to a one-year contract with Aaron Cox as assistant cross country coach.
• Hired Kathleen Jendrusik as part-time accompanist for the music department on an as-needed basis. Her rate of pay will be $11.60 per hour.
• Approved one-year contracts with Gretchen Hageman and Theresa Elliott as bus route drivers.
