Amanda-Clearcreek board approves 2026–31 strategic plan, E‑rate tech contracts and amended appropriations

The Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District Board of Education approved a district strategic plan covering 2026–2031 and a set of fiscal and technology measures at its regular meeting.

The board voted to adopt the strategic plan, which the presenter said had been developed in consultation with Allerton Hill and will be paired with a three‑year action plan to submit to the state. "We're excited that we've made it this far in the process," the presenter said, describing the plan's emphasis on vision, mission, core values and ACE actions.

Why it matters: trustees said the plan will guide curriculum and operational priorities over the next five years and that a more detailed three‑year step plan will specify annual actions and measurable targets.

On finance and contracts, the board approved amended appropriations for fiscal year 2026 after the treasurer described timing changes in real estate tax advances and noted that March included three advances and one settlement. The treasurer reported a current general fund balance of $13,387,000 and an unencumbered (available) cash balance of about $11,643,000; the district remains above its 45% carryover threshold for FY26.

The board also approved several technology contracts tied to E‑rate funding: internal connections work with Northern Buckeye Educational Council and a one‑year firewall/internal connections contract plus a five‑year managed broadband services contract with Logically Certent, Inc. Presenters explained these projects are Category‑2 E‑rate items; roughly 70% of eligible costs will be covered by E‑rate funds and the district typically pays about 30% out of local funds. "This goes along with our technology plan," a presenter said, describing recent switch upgrades and summer cabling work.

Votes and process: multiple roll calls recorded affirmative votes for the strategic plan, amended appropriations and the contracts. Personnel and consent agenda items (minutes, substitute lists and donations) were approved. During the personnel vote one board member, Mr. S., abstained, citing a family conflict.

Next steps: the administration will finalize the three‑year action schedule that will operationalize the strategic plan and proceed with the E‑rate procurement and implementation schedules. The meeting ended with a motion to enter executive session to discuss negotiations and confidential personnel matters; the board indicated no votes would follow the executive session.

Votes at a glance: - Adopt strategic plan (2026–2031): approved on roll call (presenter/board discussion preceding vote). - Approve amended appropriations for FY26: approved on roll call after treasurer presentation. - Approve E‑rate internal connections contracts (Northern Buckeye Educational Council): approved on roll call. - Approve firewall/internal broadband contracts (Logically Certent, Inc.): approved on roll call (one‑year internal connections; five‑year managed services 2026–2031). - Consent agenda (minutes, substitutes, donation): approved on roll call. - Personnel items (retirements, contracts, renewals): approved on roll call; Mr. S. abstained on one personnel vote due to a family relation.

The board moved into executive session to discuss bargaining and confidential personnel matters at the close of the public meeting.