[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6697905,"mediaKeyId","2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe","parentId",2173179,"title","Board approves contracts, grants and routine business at Dec. 16 meeting — votes at a glance","audioSeconds",1204,"startMs",3774000,"endMs",4978000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe&start=3774&end=4978","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe/thumbnail_3774000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6697905/Ohio/Board-approves-contracts-grants-and-routine-business-at-Dec-16-meeting-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697905-633e3aabdc6fb466aec3137a2dc333eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115823&Signature=Ze5-f0yPbtTEAC1JlBXm~PVoWgrPwNj2IZRDnQe8I1h-g2v27wgScqobvAS~AFWKQidrrjFveozBpd2CmXtdGANMRTWLQHXXYo91k-91isnJUqaYT~W7okHG~hYE57DuGtinqRXsorFjBbc1CISGfQ0VHKyISeqlG~G8GMJZ7zTcf58HVS33AuMLNkaDHC~QcL3SHp0dHk-d1FKQX~nFo9N9~gKcQPGbVCLcW9Jp3TS9aQ4rlp7cmhrvaftXPEi07FHjw33yDSrGVpZmnuXuKaX59WvvWpGLxlQmTTL05qpQ3pmb1~YelmBdH3PjqjvNYijABhBkIIOCeCZGjk1yBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marion City","date","2025-01-01T06:05:51.85Z","article","The Marion City Schools Board of Education took multiple routine and contract actions on Dec. 16. The board approved contracts, a grant‑funded agreement with a fiscal agent, donations and standard consent items. The votes below reflect actions taken during the meeting; most passed by roll call.

Summary of approved items

- Independent contract for speech and language services: The board approved a contract with Jennifer DeAngelo to provide speech and language pathology services for students through June 30, 2025. The term runs Dec. 17, 2024–June 30, 2025, up to 20 hours per week; the recommended rate was $53 per hour with administration authorized to adjust the rate if the district requires changes to SDRS (retirement) withholding that would alter the effective hourly compensation.

- 21st Century Grama program MOU: The board approved a contract services agreement naming the Marion Family YMCA as fiscal agent for a $200,000 annual 21st Century grant (sites: Garfield and George Washington). The grant includes $32,000 for summer programming and $1,500 site‑management fees per building; the grant funds will pay the YMCA site management fee.

- Grant chiller repair resolution: The board approved a resolution to proceed with repair of Grant's chilled‑water lines via an internal pipe lining system. The project estimate was presented at about $29,627 with an authorization not to exceed $75,000 (including contingency and change orders). The resolution authorizes the superintendent, treasurer and director of operations to negotiate and execute the agreement with counsel review.

- Donations: The treasurer recommended and the board approved donations to music programs: $500 to the Grama musical account and $800 to the Harding musical account from Kathleen O’Shea at the Marion Community Foundation.

- Consent and routine fiscal items: The board approved minutes, November financial reports and checks and other consent agenda employment and personnel items as listed on the agenda.

Votes: Each item above passed on a recorded roll call. Where a roll call was recorded in the transcript, board members present voted yes (Miss Longer, Mister Guyer, Missus Dyer, Mister Weidling; President Ratliff was absent).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marion City Schools Board of Education 12/16/2024","oneSentenceSummary","The Marion City Schools Board on Dec. 16 approved several contracts and routine items, including a speech and language services contract, a $200,000 21st Century grant fiscal‑agent agreement with the Marion Family YMCA, a resolution to repair chilled‑water lines at Grant and donations to music programs.","taxTitle","Marion City Schools, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",60273,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697910,"Color‑guard choreographer tells board he filed IRS complaint alleging music‑booster mismanagement; board requests financials and plans review",4257,1983000,6240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe&start=1983&end=6240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe/thumbnail_1983000.jpg","/articles/6697910/Ohio/Colorguard-choreographer-tells-board-he-filed-IRS-complaint-alleging-musicbooster-mismanagement-board-requests-financials-and-plans-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697910-63445227f2a067faf0075813ed22c88b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115823&Signature=KuHGbc1KUkH~coWY47P~omMJBO1G3tpTwLJWZwDmI-NbcRAdaWlBQRwhDzlp~KAQAeol~bfxHG6-3Ub7xpCRrvlPlBbAtHv48KeS33H5DxOBh-Ma63miIN-UcNZPVzTlIVDf~7PNFHlfDmqsfCGy879YEcUw4QIC~7o2nJhgggB-LKnrdqkqPQXaMSMuCRwJZyLmtW3Olm12i01Yl8rms0d0YFRYX5rVYdWuEsPA~LGmAIOW-e0P8JrQCigzlp4B3MFV3Gthmu0gWumdBN31CbpcTDP1C9TORUXBivE4i43SjAGZFpEHNCAvkMv5Ge0NFsopGdrRJoo7y1VoQISOtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scott Bush, who identified himself as the high school color‑guard and visual choreographer, told the Marion City Schools Board during public comment on Dec. 16 that he has filed an IRS complaint alleging mismanagement by the Harding Music Boosters and described financial shortfalls that, he said, affected students’ uniforms and equipment.

\"I have filed a complaint with the IRS,\" Bush told the board and provided the members with a three‑page packet of documents. He said students were denied a chance to fundraise at a music event and that the boosters told him they lacked funds to reimburse equipment purchases. Bush produced photographs and receipts for equipment he purchased for students: \"These savers are $223 a piece,\" he said, referring to practice sabres, and he told the board, \"I paid almost $4,000 out of my own pocket\" to cover uniforms and other needs after the boosters reportedly were unable to pay.

Bush said he had discussed the matter with district staff, including Dr. Bolden, and that he has documentary evidence and other parents and staff willing to provide information. He asked the board to investigate; administrators said they had asked the boosters for financial records in the past year but had not received them.

Board members questioned Bush in public about whether he had submitted documentation. He confirmed a Form 13909 complaint was filed with the IRS on Oct. 18 (as stated in the packet). Bush also said he had requested the district or a third party audit the boosters’ finances and that he had asked administrators to investigate. Board members acknowledged the sensitivity because a staff member is married to the boosters’ president and said they would handle personnel matters in executive session.

The board confirmed it had no financial statements from the music boosters on file and discussed whether the district could require financial disclosures or seek a third‑party audit for the related organization. The board later entered executive session for personnel/investigation reasons; trustees recorded that no action would be taken immediately following that session.

Why it matters: The complaint alleges that a booster organization tied to the district’s music program failed to reimburse or support student needs, prompting a volunteer staff member to pay for uniforms and equipment. The board asked for and did not have the boosters’ financial records on file, and members discussed next steps, including an audit and confidential personnel review.

Clarifying details: Bush said he filed IRS Form 13909 on Oct. 18 and that he paid for replacement equipment and uniforms after the boosters declined reimbursement; he told the board he paid \"almost $4,000\" and provided receipts showing sabres cost $223 each. Administrators said a staff member had received a narrative and requested an audit; the board said district policy would require a third‑party audit of a related organization rather than an internal audit.","During public comment at the Dec. 16 meeting, Scott Bush, the high school color‑guard choreographer, told the board he had filed an IRS complaint alleging the Harding Music Boosters mismanaged funds and that students lacked equipment and uniforms as a result.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697920,"Board signs temporary outsourcing agreements to address bus driver shortage; High Roads route contracted at $57,100 per month",2396,2764000,5160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe&start=2764&end=5160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe/thumbnail_2764000.jpg","/articles/6697920/Ohio/Board-signs-temporary-outsourcing-agreements-to-address-bus-driver-shortage-High-Roads-route-contracted-at-57100-per-month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697920-0fc06e4a8bf13f85e1ef41f8b9af6116/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115823&Signature=lxrRpMhq-a-GUkkdzW3Vt1ndJy6bN0F5CkUj8ABF2ivxlIoq3~h17EqjIPP7ZHqinWbAzwwzYL41H~F6ZjdNRNiux60Z5qvNLGGX6LPQPd~vFrgM5W0chebhMNwiEyByvcF1-uixQZ4qF4nwgOsW0A9n7Uv9WcRmbO14FkXBFEBRU3TtCRC~fn3kLDQ7jc1YASpjnv~eur9uFBkZ4bKdre1oHWhPrGMXPGAbbPrHzTYgn2zQNOnKSl9bYqzEs68iPqgu4YbFVJj79o1o3RkVy~7PlSiveBql5wmblL4pDAh8vZw7R~o-h8twIdvJPLeA3jAVJ7lpbdAd1CVsrEz4ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marion City Schools Board on Dec. 16 approved three memoranda of understanding that allow the district to contract student transportation for specific routes and approved a temporary contract to outsource one High Roads route to an external vendor.

Superintendent Jeff Murphy described the three MOUs as short‑term responses to a statewide shortage of bus drivers. The MOUs—each effective Jan. 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025—authorize the district to contract out transportation for: the High Roads school route; a van route for students attending the Columbus School for the Blind; and a procedural change allowing the district to post field‑trip transportation bids two weeks in advance (instead of one) so the district has more time to secure drivers and, if necessary, contract vendors for trips.

After the MOUs passed, the board approved a contract with Ohio Specialty Services to operate the High Roads bus route for a prorated monthly cost of $57,100. Superintendent Murphy said the cost is higher than internal costs but that, \"because we have a shortage,\" contracting is required to ensure student transportation. The contract runs from January through June 2025; the superintendent said the district will revisit the arrangements in June as it plans for the next school year.

Board members thanked the Ohio Public Charter (OPC) collaboration for helping secure the agreements and asked staff to continue efforts to recruit drivers. Each MOU and the contracting motion passed on roll calls recorded during the meeting.

Why it matters: Board members characterized the measures as necessary to keep students transported to school and to specialized programs (for example, Columbus School for the Blind) while the district continues to recruit drivers and assess long‑term solutions.

Clarifying details: the MOUs' term is Jan. 1–June 30, 2025; the field‑trip MOU permits a two‑week bidding window to identify drivers before contracting; Ohio Specialty Services contract price for the High Roads route was presented as $57,100 per month (prorated for holidays/professional development days).

Votes and formal actions related to these transportation items were recorded by roll call during the Dec. 16 meeting.","Marion City Schools approved three MOUs enabling the district to contract transportation services for specific routes and extended the field‑trip bidding window; the board also approved a Jan.–June 2025 contract with Ohio Specialty Services to run the High Roads student route at about $57,100 per month.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697925,"Marion board approves new preschool tuition model, sets $100 monthly fee for non‑eligible families",557,3195000,3752000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe&start=3195&end=3752","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe/thumbnail_3195000.jpg","/articles/6697925/Ohio/Marion-board-approves-new-preschool-tuition-model-sets-100-monthly-fee-for-noneligible-families","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697925-21c959d9441dd94d314809cbc86fc6f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115823&Signature=lKcYGaK3J9a1BQgQdRASL4JD0KIbEvYj6eCAZ752ytc3dePizaKHisANPK9ED47D~rc58dpgvWWfa7A63smxo-Cr~pr7N02wU~Dr0yM912dul1GvNpWM3adGTkKj1lj54HQlq6hsCCG50wstJ2KUv8bXVeiPwFOOG2kPG1evYKSO76~5sj7l7jSRYISnpeLqv3alFASPjobBCmtk3mbeMIyQDfBPFBciI15K7I~FBu~fBnzaZ9vw6vdmlc2X5I4q4tKxIgRIg44Mg-29N0nwP8EvO0HH~fcECgW3qKE-NTNZ9QUtRZTPv2-rlsui0ZTwtxC8rC603h9Ka0uWAyf0zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marion City Schools Board of Education on Dec. 16 voted to adopt a new preschool tuition structure for the 2025–26 school year that will make preschool free for children who qualify under the district’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) grant and charge non‑eligible families $100 per month.

Superintendent Jeff Murphy told the board the move is meant to address an operating shortfall in the district’s preschool program. \"We operate mostly under the early childhood education grant,\" a preschool presenter told the board, and the district currently faces an estimated operating loss of about $45,000 for the coming year if no changes are made.

The district's presenter, Miss Sheridan (preschool staff member), explained how ECE eligibility is determined and who the change affects: \"What my hope is by doing this model ... it will actually make preschool free for those students who are ECE eligible.\" Under the ECE rules Sheridan described, families at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline qualify; Sheridan gave the example that a family of four earning about $62,000 would be near that threshold this year.

Under the current annual fee structure, families pay one of three flat annual fees ($40, $60 or $180). The board-approved change replaces that with a monthly fee of $100 for families who are not ECE‑eligible. District staff said that even with the change, Marion’s preschool charges would remain at or below comparable local public programs (presented comparators included Bucyrus at $110/month and Pleasant at up to $360/month).

Board members asked whether the fee could reduce enrollment. Murphy and Sheridan said the district will monitor enrollment and stated willingness to revisit the fee if it drives families away. Sheridan also said the program will continue to accommodate families who cannot pay immediately and that staff will work with families on payment plans.

The board voted on the recommendation to adopt the new tuition model; the roll call recorded all members present voting yes (Missus Dyer: yes; Mister Guyer: yes; Miss Longer: yes; Mister Weidling: yes). The superintendent said the district will publish an enrollment notice and a letter to families in mid‑January with details about eligibility and the enrollment process.

Why it matters: District officials said the change is designed to shore up preschool funding, improve program quality (including materials and staffing), and keep Marion’s fees competitive with neighboring districts while preserving free preschool for families with the greatest financial need.

Clarifying details: district staff estimated an operating shortfall of roughly $45,000 for the preschool program in the coming year; current top annual family payment is $180 per year under the existing structure; the new proposal sets non‑eligible family cost at $100 per month; ECE eligibility described as families at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline (Sheridan gave $62,000 for a family of four as the illustrative threshold).","The Marion City Schools Board on Dec. 16 approved a revised preschool tuition model for the 2025–26 school year that makes preschool free for families who qualify under the Early Childhood Education (ECE) grant and sets a $100 monthly fee for families above 200% of the federal poverty guideline.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697915,"Board approves 2025–26 program of studies: yearlong world history, on‑site CCP courses and new teacher pathway",891,4077000,4968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe&start=4077&end=4968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2173179-5d3ad0f4f51d706fca90be6bea314cbe/thumbnail_4077000.jpg","/articles/6697915/Ohio/Board-approves-202526-program-of-studies-yearlong-world-history-onsite-CCP-courses-and-new-teacher-pathway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697915-c57e574dfe4a30e8edbe687b9ad62384/orig.mp4?Expires=1771115823&Signature=lcqhLLLDqwhHswTzQg6Xg6R6lrl8pFoNRKP3rOXKeyYDwdg2NU3eBhlhxa7Ho-bswRl8BWEvTQDe7AKNMC9VONNK14RI1M5YRiwBdeUMkpSay3k90K8WMZ~fXYJL4kjIAvl6mlUPXRDEPNI12p6Dft6DSUr8ltxPnjf8utTPs7wOdc9-tXjRkX7wokSf2ySR9DL2zNBp7qrTSRgvY-idnfrx~-pGv3rZFhUmMUGrRBVWyTX3Is3Mdj-yfNPJIo5hC7mFQuZz4q1TEJVeGvrujHZ6hmMKjbaxeQgbjBUONIDikOBrZyAhAO9D5Z1zr68U2b0xvPQfyCIs5c06mykGng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Marion City Schools Board on Dec. 16 approved a revised program of studies for the 2025–26 school year that expands course offerings, restructures some core classes and creates a pathway aimed at encouraging students to enter the teaching profession.

Administrators said the notable academic changes include moving modern world history from a half‑credit to a full‑year (one‑credit) course to give freshmen a stronger foundation; adding on‑site College Credit Plus (CCP) courses that students can take at Harding High School rather than leaving campus; and offering new electives such as cinematography, poetry and world mythology. The high school will also phase in algebra 1a and algebra 1b to support students who need additional preparation.

Superintendent Jeff Murphy and curriculum staff described a new Teacher Pathway Education Academy designed as a \"grow your own\" approach. The pathway, developed with Ohio State University‑Marion, would let students earn up to 15 college credits while still in high school and could reduce college costs. Administrators said the district also plans to pursue state Grow Your Own teacher grant opportunities that provide tuition assistance in exchange for service commitments.

Administrators said some CCP courses are already offered off campus and that shifting them on site will depend on teacher credentialing; the district reported two CCP courses already on site, serving roughly 47 students. Staff noted the district will apply for credentialing grants and, if approved, add more on‑site CCP offerings.

Board discussion focused on the rationale for the world history change and keeping students on campus to strengthen community and reduce transportation needs. Trustees also asked administrators to examine grade‑weighting for some career or CCP courses so students aiming for selective colleges will not avoid them because of GPA concerns; staff said any weight changes would be returned to the board as amendments.

The program of studies resolution passed on a roll‑call vote at the Dec. 16 meeting.","The Marion City Schools Board approved changes to the Harding High School program of studies for 2025–26, including converting modern world history to a year‑long course, adding on‑site College Credit Plus (CCP) classes, new elective offerings and a Teacher Pathway Education Academy in partnership with Ohio State University‑Marion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves contracts, grants and routine business at Dec. 16 meeting — votes at a glance

Color‑guard choreographer tells board he filed IRS complaint alleging music‑booster mismanagement; board requests financials and plans review

Board signs temporary outsourcing agreements to address bus driver shortage; High Roads route contracted at $57,100 per month

Marion board approves new preschool tuition model, sets $100 monthly fee for non‑eligible families

Board approves 2025–26 program of studies: yearlong world history, on‑site CCP courses and new teacher pathway