Marlington Local board updates purchasing policy, approves gym floor contract and budget transfers
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Summary
The Marlington Local School District board on Feb. 12 adopted a revised purchasing policy to align with state law, approved a $72,970 contract to replace the middle school gym floor, sanctioned OHSAA flag football, and approved financial transfers and donations after hearing a forecast projecting a modest operating deficit.
The Marlington Local School District Board of Education on Feb. 12 adopted a series of routine and time-sensitive measures, including a revision to its purchasing policy, a facilities contract, and budget transfers after the superintendent and treasurer presented updates.
Superintendent Swisher asked the board to suspend application of board purchasing policy 6320 for a single item so the district could lock in a vendor price, explaining the change was prompted by recent state law adjustments. "It says at least 2, not 3," Swisher said of the revised bidding language the board considered. Board members voted to suspend the policy for that one procurement and then approved an updated 6320 that aligns the district rule with the new state threshold and bidding language.
In a related capital action, the board approved a contract to replace the Marlington Middle School gymnasium floor at an estimated cost of $72,970. Administration said locking in the price required acting before the board policy update formally took effect.
The board also approved continuing participation in cooperative advertising and bidding for school buses through the Stark County schools cooperative, which the superintendent said helps the district secure "fair and equitable" pricing. District staff noted the current fleet is roughly 32 buses and that a shortage of trained drivers can affect replacement timing.
On athletics, the district moved to sanction girls flag football after describing the program’s pilot season and community partnerships. "It is now an OHSAA sport," Swisher said, and the board approved formal sanctioning and associated staffing plans.
Treasurer reports presented at the meeting showed the general fund finished January with a cash balance of $5,385,731.71 and projected an operating deficit of $134,000 for the current fiscal year and roughly $500,000 for the following year. To address priorities and obligations, the board approved transfers from the general fund: $60,000 to a severance fund and $948,197.40 to the capital projects fund (first-half pipeline proceeds). The board also approved revenue and appropriation revisions tied to grant awards, including approximately $13,000 for custodial safety equipment and a $105,215 bus-safety grant for lighting and reflectivity improvements.
Other routine actions approved by roll call included minutes from January meetings, financial reports for December 2025 and January 2026, acceptance of donations to athletic and special-services programs, and a consent personnel package listing retirements, hires and leave requests.
The board voted to adjourn to an executive session to consider the purchase of property for school-district purposes under the Ohio Revised Code, returned shortly afterward, and adjourned the public meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 6 p.m. in the VLC.
Votes at a glance: all recorded roll-call votes in the transcript recorded unanimous "yes" votes from the five board members who participated in roll calls (Josh Hagen, Karen Humphries, Kathy Krepko, Mark Ryan and Jonathan Swift) for the motions shown in the meeting minutes.
What’s next: administration will finalize contract documents for the gym floor, continue procurement activity through the Stark County cooperative as needed, and monitor the financial forecast and potential food-service funding needs for later budget discussions.