Board accepts resignation with regret
Felicity Kline, fine artist, left; High School Principal Jason Phillips; and Emma Zaugg, Student of the Month.
The Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education accepted the resignation of board member Kathryn Johnson during Monday’s meeting held in the community board room, effective Jan. 14, 2025. Johnson’s term expires Dec. 31, 2025.
“I have enjoyed serving and being part of this district and board of education. I want to spend more time with my family. I will still be an advocate as a community member and appreciate the support you have given me,” Johnson said.
Board members thanked her for years of service and dedication to the district and community. The board said she has been an outstanding advocate for all students.
Applications for those interested in filling the vacant seat are available on the district website. Applications are due Jan. 20 to the central office located in the administrative building, Attn: Tonya Galigher, or email tonya.galigher@tvtrojans.org.
Interviews will be scheduled in late January. According to Ohio law, people serving on the board of education must be a district resident, a registered voter in the district and at least 18 years old. The board will review the applications, interview candidates and appoint a replacement by the board meeting on Feb. 10.
The board also did the following:
—Approved a lease agreement with the Tusky Valley Senior Center for daily rental of the Legacy Center and lease of room 134A in the administration building.
—Modified a one-year lease agreement with Cardinal Rehab to include rent of the clinic, effective Dec. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2025.
—Accepted donations or grants of $2,500 from Andrew and Karissa Reeves; $1,000 from Millwood Lumber; $500 from David and Debbie Prochaska, Jon and Cindy Elsasser Charitable Group, and Clay and Sara Shetler; $250 from Progressive Foam, Atwood Lake Boats, TV Ruritan Club, Julie Morrow, DVM, Mineral City Nazarene Church and Mineral City Nazarene Church NYI; $200 from David and Sally Green; $150 from Nathan and Andrea Clements; $100 from Barbara Martin; $50 from Robert and Helen Redinger; and $25 from Susan and Thomas Gaiser, all for Affordable Christmas, as well as $200 and $125, anonymous, for Family Advocate.
—Entered into an agreement with Jefferson County Education Service for the 2024-25 school year. The JCES has developed a Virtual Learning Academy, an internet-based educational curriculum and delivery system designed for K-12 to provide alternate education opportunities for credit deficiencies and other programs. Superintendent Derek Varansky said this is an opportunity for any students who may need online education. He said after COVID, all online courses were no longer offered, according to Ohio law.
—Granted a one-year supplemental contract to Christian Wertz, middle school wrestling.
—Issued one-year supplemental contracts to contracted employees Rob Bowers, middle school wrestling; Seth Johnson, Tom Wiseman and Eric Wilson, volunteer, all assistant wrestling; Aaron Martell, volunteer; and Brian Whitlach, volunteer wrestling.
—Passed a resolution for the sale of district-owned property in Mineral City with the village at a cost of $1. The property is located at the site of the former TV primary school.
—Approved an athletic holiday from June 27 to July 6, 2025, for all TV student-athletes seventh grade through 12th grade. The school gym will be closed during this time.
—Gave approval to the indoor high school track and field team at no cost to the district. Brian Finney, Mandy McElwee and Sandy DeBos will serve as volunteer coaches for the 2024-25 school year.
—Appointed Dick Gooding as president pro-tem for the Jan. 13 reorganization meeting.
Other information
The board recognized Student of the Month recipients Emma Zaugg, student; Felicity Kline, fine artist; Caitlyn Brown, 11th grade; Jake McDermott, 10th grade; Ava Beatty, ninth grade; Jillian Sponaugle, eighth grade; and Brooklyn Sponaugle, seventh grade.
There will be a two-hour dismissal on Dec. 20 for an all-staff meeting.
The board will meet Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. A reorganization meeting will be held, followed by the regular meeting, in the community board room at 2637 Tusky Valley Road NE in Zoarville.