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Board accepts retirements, hires athletic director and approves shared services and college partnerships
Summary
Canton Local acknowledged retirements effective June 1, listed resignations and multiple hires including Joe Bden as athletic director for 2026–27; the district recommended a shared services food‑services contract with Fairless and memoranda of understanding with Walsh University, Stark State College and Kent State for CCP courses.
The superintendent reported retirements, resignations and new hires at the March 16 Canton Local Board meeting and asked the board to act on the personnel slate.
Retirements and resignations: Staff announced retirements effective June 1 for Barb Elsas (K‑South) and Michelle Pone (middle school teacher). The superintendent also reported resignations: Monique Crawford (cafeteria worker, effective Feb. 9) and John Hankle (high school monitor, effective March 6).
Hiring and assignments: The board packet listed several hirings and position adjustments including cafeteria substitutes Kathleen Turner and Diane Layman, paraprofessionals and other instructional support hires. Notably, the superintendent recommended moving Joe Bden into the district athletic director role at step four on the administrative salary schedule effective for the 2026–27 school year; the superintendent described Bden as coming from Canton City with prior relevant experience.
Athletics and supplemental contracts: The board reviewed athletic hires and stipends (exhibit SA2) and handled a separate approval for volunteer track coach Rick. The superintendent also presented a districtwide nonrenewal of 2025–26 supplemental contracts (coaching stipends and related supplemental roles) effective at the end of the 2025–26 school term.
Contracts and partnerships: Under contracts and agreements staff recommended a shared services contract with Fairless Local Schools for food services that would have the district’s food director, Lisa Hookway, serve both districts. The superintendent also recommended memoranda of understanding with Walsh University, Stark State College and Kent State University to continue College Credit Plus (CCP) opportunities for high school and middle school students.
What the board did: The superintendent asked the board to approve personnel items with the exception of the volunteer coach matter handled separately; motions to act on personnel and contracts were moved and seconded in open session.
Follow-up: The board will finalize contractual paperwork and finalize stipend lists and volunteer approvals. The nonrenewal of supplemental contracts will take effect at the end of the current school year.
