The Oakwood Board of Education on Nov. 10 approved a 7‑year lease for district office space at 400 Sugar Camp Circle after staff reported immediate health and safety problems at the district’s historic Rubicon House and recommended relocation.

Superintendent (name not specified) told trustees the Rubicon House had basement flooding, HVAC failures, persistent roof problems and structural sagging that would require significant, costly renovation. “After consulting with an architect to determine our needs, it became clear that renovating the Rubicon House would not be a wise investment,” the superintendent said, recommending the Sugar Camp lease as a safer, accessible interim solution. The board voted to approve the lease and directed staff to begin a spring transition if the lease is executed.

Trustees also approved several other administrative actions in a single meeting: an amendment to the competitive retail electric service agreement with IGS Energy; resolution to participate in the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) classroom facilities assistance program, segment 1; adoption of special education model policies and procedures; and approval of contract 2026DotO3. Each recommendation was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

The board completed the meeting’s personnel agenda, approving supplemental resignations and two retirements accepted under items 8a–8c (including Karen Stevens, occupational therapist, effective June 30, 2026, and Elaine Fultz, Smith Elementary media center liaison, effective June 30, 2026). It also approved items 9a–9h, which included multiple supplemental contracts and volunteers for 25–26, amendments to supplementals, employment of custodians Gary Flanagan and Michael Holmes (pending required documents), a list of substitutes, a $600 tuition reimbursement for Jeremy Storist for graduate coursework, and assignments to supervise Saturday school and detentions.

Earlier in the meeting the board opened a public hearing required under Ohio Revised Code section 3307.353 on proposed reemployment of retirees Paul Stone, Karen Lauterbach, Scott Gowdy and Amanda Amer; the superintendent stated the hearing was held and no public comments were received.

What’s next: The superintendent said additional OFCC financing work (bond sale and notes) is underway and further revisions to appropriations and resource estimates are expected in late winter.