Marion City Schools board approves $1 million transfer, adopts new biology curriculum and amends transportation contract

The Marion City Schools Board of Education on Jan. 21 approved a $1,000,000 transfer from the district general fund into the district's permanent improvement fund, adopted a new high‑school biology curriculum and approved an amended transportation contract, the board said during its regular meeting.

The board voted unanimously to move $1,000,000 from the district's general fund to the permanent improvement fund, recorded during the board's roll call vote on the December financial items.

Why it matters: The transfer shifts operating reserves into a fund used for capital improvements and is one of the largest single in‑meeting budget moves the board approved this school year.

The board also approved adoption of the Miller Levine biology curriculum for high school grades after a selection process the district began in summer 2024. Superintendent Murphy said the vendor is an Ohio Department of Education–approved publisher, offers scaffolded lab supports, multi‑language translations and an integrated digital teacher resource bank, and that the district selected a six‑year license.

The board approved the Marion City Schools gifted service plan required by the state. The updated plan, the superintendent said, changes screening and service-start timing: it delays routine service start for students identified at the youngest ages and moves to a model where screening windows are aligned to October through Feb. 1; identified students would begin services the following school year. District staff told the board they had contracted a gifted support specialist to help streamline identification and remove duplicated tests.

On transportation, the board approved an amendment to the Ohio Specialty Services contract for routes servicing high‑road students. Superintendent Murphy said the amended contract sets a flat contractor fee of $57,100 per month, compared with a district in‑house estimated cost of about $47,100 per month for providing the same routes. Murphy said the contract brings one additional driver and two aides to address staffing shortages; he described the $57,100 monthly rate as "a good deal." The board confirmed the amendment does not change a previously approved OPC memorandum of understanding.

The board also approved routine items including minutes from December meetings, the December fund report and checks, and accepted several donations from the Harding High School Athletic Boosters: stadium equipment valued at $27,600, recycling bins and carts valued at $4,640, and trash cans valued at $1,875.

Two extracurricular overnight trips also received board approval: the Harding High School girls wrestling team to the Iron Maiden tournament at Bellefontaine (departure Jan. 24, return Jan. 25) and the VEX Club robotics team to the Kalahari Classic VEX V5 competition (departure Jan. 23, return Jan. 25). Board members and staff praised coaches, chaperones and community fundraising that supported those trips.

During committee reports the board discussed expanding extracurricular offerings and noted strong athletic performances this winter. The board completed a final reading and approval of board policy 6240; a separate immunization item was pulled for later discussion.

Votes at a glance

- Transfer: Motion to transfer $1,000,000 from general fund to permanent improvement fund — approved (roll call recorded as Yes by board members present).

- Financial approvals: December fund report, checks and December financial report — approved.

- Donations: Harding High School Athletic Boosters donations totaling listed values — accepted.

- Overnight trips: Harding girls wrestling (Jan. 24'25) — approved; VEX Club robotics (Jan. 23'25) — approved.

- Curriculum: Adoption of Miller Levine biology (high school, six-year license) — approved.

- Gifted service plan: Marion City Schools gifted service plan (annual submission/updates to state) — approved.

- Contract amendment: Amendment to Ohio Specialty Services transportation contract (flat $57,100/month) — approved. Board noted the amendment adds one driver and two aides and does not change the previously approved OPC MOU.

- Policy: Final reading and approval of board policy 6240 — approved; immunization item pulled.

Board members and speakers

Speakers quoted or who spoke during the meeting include: Board President Mullins (presiding), Superintendent Murphy (Superintendent), Assistant Superintendent Hanger, board members Mister Guyer, Mister Ratliff, Mister Weidling, Miss Longer (also recorded as Miss Wanger/Swonger in the transcript), Miss Warner (memorial), Miss Rollins (show choir), Miss Holden (robotics advisor) and others who spoke during committee reports and item presentations.

Ending

The board moved into executive session for personnel and pending or imminent litigation matters and later returned for brief committee reports and adjourned the regular meeting at 8:15 p.m.