Indian Creek Board approves Ascent Resources lease-linked stipend, large appropriations and two resource officers

The Indian Creek Local School District Board of Education on Dec. 18, 2025, during a regular meeting at Indian Creek Middle School, unanimously approved a set of motions that included large supplemental appropriations, continuation of Ohio School Boards Association membership, a gas-and-oil lease with Ascent Resources–Utica LLC tied to a one-time stipend for non-union employees, and an agreement for two resource officers for 2026.

Board President Dr. John Figel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and, following a brief public-relations and food-service update from Amy Colantoni and Food Service Director Nicole Marshall, the board approved the Nov. 20 minutes and the November bills and bank reconciliation by 3–0 votes.

The board then voted to enter executive session to discuss compensation matters; the session ran from 6:13 p.m. to 6:56 p.m. Incoming board member Ms. Schoolcraft was invited to attend the executive session.

After returning to open session the board accepted an addendum to the agenda and approved items A through J under New Business as a package. Key items approved included:

• Supplemental appropriations: The Treasurer presented supplemental appropriations requests that list several large line items, including $1,878,050; $1,000,000; two entries for $325,000; and a $1,000 item to support purchasing and activity accounts. The board approved these appropriations as part of the New Business package. The transcript does not specify exact fund codes or the ultimate spending plans for each appropriation beyond the line items noted in the agenda.

• OSBA membership: The board approved continuing membership in the Ohio School Boards Association for Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026 at a cost of $7,139 and a $250 contribution to the OSBA Legal Assistance Fund, plus subscription to OSBA Policy Development Quarterly for 2026.

• Gas and oil lease and stipend resolution: The Treasurer recommended entering an agreement with Ascent Resources–Utica, LLC; as a result of the lease agreement, the board asked the district to adopt a resolution to pay a one‑time stipend to non‑union employees (listed categories in the agenda include the Superintendent, assistant superintendent, treasurer, principals, assistant principals, special education coordinator, Title I/PK/Curriculum coordinator, transportation supervisor, director of technology and central office personnel). The board also approved a memorandum of understanding between the district and ICEA to align ICEA members with the stipend treatment OAPSE members will receive. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. The agenda materials reference a separate agreement/lease document for the Ascent Resources arrangement; the transcript does not include the lease text or dollar amounts paid to the district.

• Resource officers: The board approved an agreement with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for two resource officers to serve January–December 2026.

• Student activity organizations and personnel: The board approved several student activity organizations (including Hills Elementary Yearbook) and multiple personnel actions: volunteers (Madison Fields for ICHS softball; Devin Mazik for IC wrestling), one‑year limited classified contracts as listed, extra‑duty supplemental contracts (including Tera Parrish for ICMS 7th grade girls basketball), and accepted the resignation of Kassandra Bauer, Cook/Cashier, effective Jan. 9, 2026.

Votes at a glance • #95‑12‑25 — Approve Nov. 20, 2025 minutes. Mover: Mr. James Speece; second: Mr. Stephen Cowser. Vote: Cowser yes; Dr. John Figel yes; Mr. Speece yes. Outcome: approved 3–0. • #96‑12‑25 — Approve bills, financial report and bank reconciliation (November). Mover: Mr. Stephen Cowser; second: Mr. James Speece. Vote: Cowser yes; Dr. John Figel yes; Mr. Speece yes. Outcome: approved 3–0. • #97‑12‑25 — Enter executive session (compensation). Mover: Mr. James Speece; second: Mr. Stephen Cowser. Vote: Cowser yes; Dr. John Figel yes; Mr. Speece yes. Outcome: approved 3–0; executive session held 6:13–6:56 p.m. • #98‑12‑25 — Accept addendum to agenda. Mover: Mr. James Speece; second: Mr. Stephen Cowser. Vote: Cowser yes; Dr. John Figel yes; Mr. Speece yes. Outcome: approved 3–0. • #99‑12‑25 — Approve items A–J under New Business (includes appropriations, OSBA membership, Ascent lease resolution, resource‑officer agreement, student activity approvals, gas and oil lease). Mover: Mr. James Speece; second: Dr. John Figel. Vote: Cowser yes; Dr. John Figel yes; Mr. Speece yes. Outcome: approved 3–0. • #100‑12‑25 — Approve personnel items under Other Matters – Personnel. Mover: Mr. James Speece; second: Dr. John Figel. Vote: Cowser yes; Dr. John Figel yes; Mr. Speece yes. Outcome: approved 3–0. • #101‑11‑25 — Adjournment. Mover: Dr. John Figel. Vote: all yes. Outcome: meeting adjourned.

Context and what is next The lease with Ascent Resources–Utica LLC and the related stipend resolution were approved as motions on the agenda; the transcript references the agreements and the decision to distribute a one‑time stipend to specified non‑union personnel but does not provide the lease payment amount or the stipend dollar amounts. The board set its 2026 Organizational and January business meeting for Jan. 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting closed after brief reports from board liaisons and district administrators.