Principals and food-service director report testing, events and wellness updates; district recognizes retiring staff

At the regular session that followed organizational business on Jan. 13, 2026, Austintown school leaders provided updates on academics, assessment, student supports and food service.

AMS principal Scarmack reported that second-semester classes started and that "Start with Hello Week" kicked off districtwide; the principal announced an honors assembly for Jan. 21 and reminded families of parent-teacher conferences scheduled for Feb. 11 at AMS.

Elementary schools reported the start of benchmark testing (DIBELS and i-Ready) and said intervention and enrichment groups will be adjusted at the end of January. AES reported its winter parent-teacher conference is scheduled for Feb. 5; report cards for the second nine weeks were expected to be posted the same week.

Food service director Alexis Weber told the board the Ohio Department of Education conducted administrative, procurement and resource-management reviews and found the district's meal programs in full compliance with federal regulations. Weber said the district is serving approximately 4,460 more lunches per school day than before the district changed its meal program last year and noted a district giving program tied to a pizza vendor has resulted in 3,438 donated meals to children in need. Weber announced a public, triannual wellness-policy meeting set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and promoted the annual spring senior citizens dinner on April 22 at Gooch High School.

During public comment, a community member congratulated Andrew Bachus on his retirement after 27 years with the district and extended best wishes to Monica Paulin Job; board members welcomed new board member Katie Burdes and offered thanks to retiring staff.

No contested claims or objections were raised during these reports; the board accepted the updates and moved on to the rest of the agenda.