Martins Ferry City school board approves personnel shifts, limits rehired retirees to three-year contracts

The Martins Ferry City school board on an April meeting approved a package of personnel moves, contract renewals and policy changes that administration said were designed to bring staffing and contract terms into alignment for the 2025–26 school year.

Superintendent (S4) outlined calendar dates and district enrollment before listing personnel changes, including retirements and resignations: Ken Woodford will retire as assistant high school principal effective June 30, 2025; Brian Best resigned as varsity assistant girls basketball coach effective immediately; Alicia Long will resign as a third-grade teacher at the end of the 2024–25 contract; and Mike Paul will retire as the high school ISS teacher effective June 30, 2025. Treasurer (S5) delivered the financial report, saying, “Cash fund balance at the March was $8,028,706.58,” and listing March receipts ($1,277,164.12) and bills paid ($1,762,529.30).

On personnel and contracts the board voted to approve the superintendent’s personnel items (items 1–5), supplemental contract renewals and the updated supplemental position lists; the superintendent explained two supplemental positions were eliminated. The board also approved a service agreement with Augusta Levy Learning Center for 2025–26 (administration said the contract reduces one RBT to lower costs) and authorized continued special-education legal representation with the individual attorney who is moving firms, effective April 15.

The board voted to rescind prior language on rehiring retired teachers and to adopt amended policies that will allow rehired retirees to be offered contracts up to three years. Board members asked how pay rates for rehired administrators are determined; administration replied terms are negotiated at contract time and that rehired employees often accept lower pay to save the district money. The meeting record shows the board approved a separate resolution permitting reduction in force related to custodial (non-teaching) positions.

All motions cited on the agenda were approved by roll call unless otherwise noted. The board entered executive session on personnel at 4:05 p.m. and returned at approximately 4:38 p.m., then adjourned; the next meeting was scheduled for May 13 at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting record includes multiple personnel items and policy amendments; where the transcript did not provide full details (for example, exact contract language or some individual vote tallies), the article states outcomes and notes missing specifics. Actions taken that require follow-up include implementing the amended retiree rehiring policy, executing the service agreement with Augusta Levy Learning Center and updating contracts for approved supplemental positions.