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Northern Local Schools board approves budget items, new buses, hires and three-year labor deal
Summary
At a July 25 special meeting, the Northern Local Schools Board of Education unanimously approved June financial reports, 2024–25 estimated revenue and appropriations, purchase of two buses, a three-year agreement with OAPSE Local 359 and multiple personnel actions including several hires and a certified nonrenewal.
On July 25, 2024, the Northern Local Schools Board of Education met in the District Office Board Room and unanimously approved a slate of financial and personnel items, including the purchase of two school buses and a three-year collective-bargaining agreement.
Treasurer Jennie Clifton presented the Treasurer’s Report and recommended the board approve the June 2024 financial reports and the 2024–25 estimated revenue and permanent appropriations at the fund level. The board’s multi-item motion also included the purchase of one new 78-passenger bus and one new handicapped-accessible bus with a lift from Rush Truck Centers; approval of a three-year contract with OAPSE #359 effective Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2027; a Gifted Services Agreement with the Licking Regional Education Service Center for 2024–25; and the purchase of a new K–5 English language arts curriculum and textbooks from Amplify Education, Inc., including a five-year software and support component. Sharon Cains moved the finance motion; it was seconded and approved by roll call, 5-0.
The board also approved a change order for the Glenford roof replacement with Revere Roofing Company, authorized the disposition of a listed set of district assets, and accepted donations of district-wide school supplies from Dollar General store in Thornville.
On personnel matters, the board accepted resignations effective at the end of the 2023–24 school year for Nicole Harter (one-on-one attendant) and Jennifer Wiseman (Glenford head cook). The board approved a one-year automatic nonrenewal for certified staff member Kathryn Stepanovich (Somerset, second grade). It approved several certified substitutes (including Jena Wharton and Patrick Saum, the latter pending successful BCI/FBI checks) and multiple non-certified hires: Daniel Pfeffer was approved as athletic trainer on a three-year contract; the board approved several bus drivers with specified daily hours and steps; and Leah Crowley was approved as a one-on-one attendant. The slate also included supplemental appointments, among them Greg Otte as band director for 20 extended days and Rachel Cooke as 7th-grade volleyball coach. These personnel motions were moved and seconded and carried by unanimous roll calls.
Board business concluded with approval on first reading of two policies, PO6423 (Use of Credit Cards) and PO7450 (Property Inventory), on a 5-0 roll-call vote. Patrick Hogan moved the policies motion and Levi Dupler seconded. The meeting was then adjourned following a unanimous vote.
Votes at a glance: The meeting records show unanimous 5-0 votes for (1) approval of minutes, (2) the treasurer’s bundled finance items including bus purchases and the OAPSE agreement, (3) the employment/hiring slate, (4) approval of policies PO6423 and PO7450 on first reading, and (5) adjournment. Motion makers and seconders are recorded in the minutes for each vote.
Why it matters: The actions set the district’s near-term financial plan, add transportation capacity including one accessible bus, finalize staffing and coaching roles for the coming year, and lock in a three-year labor agreement that will govern working conditions and compensation for represented staff through July 2027.
The board’s minutes record approval of a prior "Special Meeting, June 28, 2028" as part of the minutes vote; that date appears inconsistent with the July 2024 meeting and has been noted in the clarifying details.
