The Solon Board of Education met in organizational session on Jan. 12, 2026, at its district offices and completed annual housekeeping for the year, electing leadership and approving routine authorizations. The board administered the oath of office to reelected member Michelle Barksdale, elected Julie Glavin to a one‑year term as board president and John Heckman to a one‑year term as vice president.

The meeting focused on procedural and administrative items that prepare the district for the calendar year. The board approved the 2026 regular meeting calendar (meetings at 6 p.m. at the Solon Board of Education offices unless otherwise noted), a resolution authorizing withdrawal of funds to cover budgeted expenses as needed, and establishment of a service fund consistent with Ohio Revised Code 3315.15 to reimburse board members for expenses incurred while performing official duties.

The board also voted to retain a set of law firms to provide legal services for the district during the year, to participate in the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) and the OSBA legal assistance fund for 2026, and to renew membership in the Ohio Education Policy Institute for $1,500. In addition, the board authorized the superintendent and treasurer to sign contracts with the Education Service Center of Northeast Ohio and other contractors up to $50,000; contracts exceeding that amount must come before the board for approval.

Superintendent Fred Bolden explained administrative arrangements for student-discipline appeals: he was appointed the board’s hearing officer for suspension appeals so the full board would not need to convene for each suspension, and the Education Service Center of Northeast Ohio was approved to serve as the hearing officer for expulsion appeals referred by the board.

All motions brought as part of the organizational agenda were moved, seconded and approved by roll-call vote as recorded in the meeting transcript. The board adjourned the organizational meeting and recessed briefly before beginning its regular meeting.

Clarifying details recorded in the meeting: the service fund references Ohio Revised Code 3315.15; the contract signature authorization sets a $50,000 threshold for staff‑level approval; the OEPI membership fee was listed as $1,500. The transcript contains inconsistent spellings of some participant names; article attributions use names as recorded in the meeting and avoid assigning titles not shown in the transcript.

The board is scheduled to begin its regular meeting immediately following a short recess.