Board of education considers autumn break next year
Fairless Superintendent Michael Hearn, left, board member Justin Henry, Barb Limbacher of The Bargain Hunter, Board President Jody Seward, and board members Hope Hill, Charles Snyder and Ken Killian.
Fairless Superintendent Michael Hearn discussed with the board at its Dec. 17 meeting to consider a fall break for students and staff Oct. 9-13, 2025.
“Several staff members approached me about having a fall break. I will recommend action from the board at the Jan. 7 meeting,” Hearn said.
In another matter the board presented Barb Limbacher of The Bargain Hunter with the Ohio School Boards Association Media Honor Roll Award for fair and balanced education reporting and exemplary service to the community. Hearn said when it is difficult to receive local news coverage, The Bargain Hunter has provided that coverage. Board President Joy Seward also spoke about the many years Limbacher has covered the district and said she always focuses on the positive.
Michael Horning was introduced as the district behavior coach. He has been in the district for 49 days, has held staff meetings and has seen progress, and the goal is to create an environment that is safe and includes behavior patterns.
Hearn said Horning is shared with Northwest School District and Fairless Local School District, and he works in both districts for behavior improvement. Board member Hope Hill asked if there was a book to read about raising teens. Horning suggested “The Deepest Well” by Nadine Burke.
“Horning is doing a great thing for our students, and we want to make sure we are doing right for the students,” Hearn said.
The board also did the following:
—Entered into a three-year agreement with FinalSite for web hosting, effective Jan. 1, at a cost of $14,170.
—Appointed Jody Seward as president pro-tempore for the Jan. 7 organizational and regular board meeting.
—Approved annual membership in the Ohio School Board Association to include a legal assistance fund for 2025 at a cost of $7,187.
—Entered into a three-year agreement with Snap! Mobile Inc. to include FanX mobile app, rewards and an onboarding fee at a cost of $3,500.
—Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio to provide programming to students at no cost to the district.
—Presented the 2025-26 Fairless School District calendar and a public hearing. If approved, the first day for students will be Aug. 19, 2025, and the last day for students will be May 28, 2026.
—Approved 42 revised and new board policies.
—Updated the athletic department emergency action plan. There are ADs in every athletic facility if needed.
—Passed a resolution for Michele Prorock, a custodian, who was approved for a leave of absence for the purpose specified in the Ohio Revised Code and has been approved by the School Employee Retirement System, effective Nov. 21.
—Accepted the resignation of Brian Schultz, head girls golf coach.
—Granted one-year supplemental contracts to Phillip Smith, Jennifer Holland-Natoli and Kristine Twigg, all spring drama assistants.
—Issued one-year supplemental contracts to nondistrict employees Lauren Knight, spring drama assistant; Benjamin Grass, baseball volunteer; Lacy Harvey, freshman wrestling; and Charlie Kegley and Wayne Goss (volunteer), eighth grade wresting.
Other information
Hearn has held 30 meetings with community members to explain the emergency 10-year renewal levy. The levy appeared on the Nov. 5 ballot as a substitute, which is the language used by the state, and was defeated by voters. A resolution will be passed for the county auditor to recertify the millage. A second resolution will then be passed to place a levy on a future ballot.
The next meeting will be held Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Fairless High School, 800 Seventh St., Brewster. An organizational meeting will be held, followed by the regular meeting. The Jan. 20 meeting has been canceled.