Claymont City Board to pursue high school addition design; approves new school times, earlier calendar end and personnel, contracts

The Claymont City School District Board of Education on April 13 voted to proceed with design work for a potential addition to Claymont High School and approved schedule and calendar changes, a set of personnel moves, and several contracts and financial items.

Superintendent Brian Rentsch presented the consolidation discussion and reviewed district budget considerations, property tax reform, the use of funds from the 2020 levy and federal ESSER dollars before asking the board whether to proceed with work on a design set for a planned high school addition so the district would be ready should the project move forward. The board agreed to continue the design process so plans are available if the district decides to move ahead.

The board approved revised student instructional times for the 2026–27 school year after a discussion that included Transportation Supervisor Mr. Henry about busing and after-school activity needs. The approved times are: High School 7:40–2:40; Middle School 7:50–2:50; Elementary 8:05–3:05; Primary 8:15–3:15.

The district also approved a revision to the current 2025–26 student calendar to end student attendance on May 22, 2026 (three days earlier than previously scheduled).

On routine financial and procurement items the board: approved the March 2026 financial report and payment of bills; approved renewal of liability, fleet and property insurance through Ohio School Plan/Hylant for May 1, 2026–April 30, 2027; and approved a natural gas purchase contract for May 2026–June 2027 at a fixed cost of $4.69 per mcf. The board accepted a $500 donation from First Federal Community Bank for a high school digital board project and acknowledged $1,871 raised during jean days for scholarships, as recorded in the meeting.

The board approved a broad superintendent recommendation package that included personnel actions: transfer of Ida Gorman to high school assistant principal for 2026–27; an administrative reduction in force for Michele Henry as Intermediate Principal and her subsequent employment as a middle school assistant principal for 2026–27; transfer of Jodie Miles back to Assistant Superintendent; rescission of a one-year limited contract for Elizabeth Garbrandt; hire of Stephanie Lendon as Intermediate Cook; approval of up to 30 extended service days for Jasmine Russell; approval of student teacher placements and a list of KSU nursing students for observation hours; approval of the Claymont Virtual Academy handbook for 2026–27; and approval of a Title III English Learner consortium contract with the Stark County Service Center. The board approved a contract with Wood Electric for fire alarm upgrades at Claymont High School to be paid from Permanent Improvement Funds and approved use and rental of district buses for YMCA summer programming and Dennison Depot events with costs charged to those organizations.

Athletic recommendations for 2026–27 were approved, including coaches and supplementals for cheerleading, boys’ and girls’ basketball, bowling and other positions, and payment for IVC and OHSAA tournament workers. The board recognized Sharon Grove on her retirement and thanked her for leading the cheer program.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to pull Superintendent Items E (instructional time) and I (calendar change) for separate votes: moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Peters; roll call recorded as yes from Ms. Campbell, Mr. Peters, Mrs. Host and Mrs. Wolf; motion carried. - Approval of meeting agenda: moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mrs. Wolf; roll call approved (Campbell, Wolf, Host, Peters). - Treasurer items A–G (financial report, bills, minutes, insurance, gas contract, Then & Now certificate, $500 donation acceptance): roll call recorded Ms. Campbell yes; Mr. Peters yes; Mrs. Host abstain; Mrs. Wolf yes; motion carried. - Superintendent personnel and operational package (items A–D, F–S): roll call recorded Ms. Campbell yes; Mrs. Wolf yes; Mrs. Host yes; Mr. Peters yes; motion carried. - Approval of student instructional time changes for 2026–27: motion carried on roll call as recorded in the transcript. - Approval of calendar change to end student attendance May 22, 2026: motion carried on roll call as recorded. - Motion to enter executive session for employment matters at 7:15 p.m.: moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mrs. Host; roll call approved; executive session ended at 8:16 p.m.; meeting adjourned.

The board packet and posted meeting video include full listings of hires, transfers, supplemental assignments and the names of students and volunteers approved for placements and observation hours. The board set its next regular meeting for May 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Claymont Administrative Office.

(Attributions in this account follow names and roles as recorded in the meeting minutes: Mr. Peters as presiding board officer; Ms. Campbell, Mrs. Host and Mrs. Wolf as board members; Brian Rentsch as Superintendent; Mr. Henry as Transportation and Cafeteria Supervisor. The transcript uses both “Mrs. Host” (board member) and “Mr. Host” in different places when recording the Claymont Education Association note; this report reproduces the meeting record without inferring a change of identity.)