Ashland board receives 4‑star state report card, reviews policy revisions and approves consent items

The Ashland City School District Board of Education on Sept. 22 heard a superintendent’s report that included recognition of students and staff of the month, a rise to four out of five stars on the district state report card and several policy updates intended to align district policy with state law.

Superintendent Parramore led recognition of student- and staff-of-the-month honorees from Reagan Elementary, Edison, Taft Intermediate, Ashland Middle School and Ashland High School. Parramore told the board the district’s state report card improved to four stars out of five, citing gains in career-technical education, attendance and growth for students with disabilities.

The superintendent also reviewed several policy revisions as a first reading or update to mirror state requirements and recent legislation. Items flagged for revision or replacement included nondiscrimination definitions (policy 2266), extracurricular participation for homeschooled and community-school students (policy 2430.02), interscholastic athletics (policy 2431), attendance and excused absences for driver’s education (policy 5200), religious release time (policy 5223), withdrawal from school (policy 5130), academic acceleration (policy 5410), credit card/audit language (policy 6109), digital content and accessibility (policy 7540.02), continuity of operations (policy 8300), information security and student‑data protections (policies 8305 and 8400 / Senate Bill 29 references), definitions for student abuse and neglect (policy 8462), and transportation for nonroutine trips (policy 8606). Parramore said many edits are “clean up” language to align district documents with current state law and the upcoming biennium budget (House Bill 96).

The board also considered a revised personal communication devices policy (policy 5136) that would restrict students’ use of cell phones and similar devices during instructional time, including lunch and transitions, with exceptions for emergencies and medical needs. Parramore said the revisions mirror recent state guidance about instructional time.

Financial and operational items approved - The treasurer’s consent calendar, described as routine and enacted in one motion, was approved by roll call (5–0). The treasurer’s report included an expenditure for a school-based therapist tied to the district’s liaison program; board members said those liaison positions were supported in part by mental health and recovery board funding. - The superintendent’s consent calendar, also enacted in one motion, was approved (roll call recorded as carried). - The board approved updates to the 2025–26 student handbook, including habitual truancy/chronically absent procedures and a 72‑hour threshold tied to interventions (motion carried 5–0).

Board members highlighted local events and fundraising. Parramore noted the district was a pacesetter organization for the United Way of Ashland County and reported the district had raised more than $19,000. The board also reminded the public that homecoming kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m. at Community Stadium and that the district’s PI renewal levy would appear on the Nov. 4 ballot; Parramore said the levy is “no new money” to taxpayers and is intended for upkeep of buildings and systems.

Votes at a glance - Approve agenda as amended — outcome: approved (tally recorded 5 yes, 0 no). Motion and second not specified in the transcript; roll call recorded. - Treasurer’s consent calendar — outcome: approved (tally recorded 5 yes, 0 no). Mover: Mrs. Mowery. Seconder: Mr. Hart. - Superintendent’s consent calendar — outcome: approved (roll call recorded as carried). Mover: Mrs. Deppert. Seconder: Mr. Summers. - Update 2025–26 student handbook (including truancy/absenteeism edits) — outcome: approved (tally recorded 5 yes, 0 no). Mover: Mr. Summers. Seconder: Mr. Hart. - Motion to adjourn — outcome: approved. Mover: Mrs. Deppert. Seconder: Mr. Summers.

What’s next Parramore said policy revisions brought as a first reading will return for board approval at a special meeting on Oct. 13. The board also encouraged public participation in the October 8 art calendar reception and reminded residents of the Nov. 4 ballot on the PI renewal levy.

Ending The board completed routine business, recognized district honorees and scheduled follow-up on policy updates; no additional binding policy changes beyond the approved consent items were adopted at the Sept. 22 meeting.