Fairless BOE cuts positions and approves new contracts
Superintendent Michael Hearn reported on the district financial reduction plan progress during the April 15 meeting. Four teaching positions and four paraprofessional positions were eliminated through attrition (gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness or reduction in numbers from resignations, retirements or death), and summer programs tutors from the Stark County Educational Service Center services for a district savings of $500,000.
In another matter, the board approved a certified teaching contract with Tamara Bixler-Zalesinsky, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. She has served as assistant high school principal for the past five years and will return to the classroom to teach the aviation class. The board accepted her resignation as high school assistant Principal, effective June 30.
The board also did the following
-Heard all extra-curricular supplemental limited contracts of current staff will expire at the end of the current contract.
-Accepted the resignations of Ralph Miller, maintenance, effective July 31, for retirement: Dan Rodgers, classified instructional aide, effective July 31; Ryan Murgatroyd, teacher and head wrestling coach, Allison (Dewees) Kaser, teacher; Tyler McGonagle, tutor; Curtis Tinlin, tutor; Amelia White, permanent substitute, all effective May 31.
-Issued one – year supplemental coaching contracts for the 2025-26 school year to the following Chad Pfeiffer, head girls basketball; William Moriarty, head boys basketball; Aaron Sarbaugh, head football; Benjamin Russell, head cross country; David stuck, head boys soccer; Susan Smith, head girls golf.
-Granted a one-year supplemental contract to non-district employee Terra Walther, assistant track.
-Approved a contract with Connect USA, Inc. for installation of fiber optic cable using eRate funds for $5,115.
-Approved a revised contract with SPARCC at a cost of about $125,000 from June 2, 2025 to July 31, 2026 to provide technology support.
-Entered into an agreement with Legacy Project of Stark County to provide mentoring services at Fairless Middle School at a cost of $3,000.
-Approved potential 2025 graduates, pending completion of all requirements.
-Approved an agreement with the Army Corp. of Engineers to allow the district to use U.S. Government owned property for a cross country course at Fairless High School.
-Passed a resolution to take the opportunity to discuss with Canton South School District to share a food service director in the 2026-27 school year. Fairless Food Service Director Julie Miler is retiring in 2026.
“They will study how the agreement would work for the two districts and how to save financial resources. Canton South Board of Education will consider the proposal at its April meeting,” Superintendent Mike Hearn said.
The next meeting will be held May 20 at 6:15 p.m. in the high school. 800 Seventh St. SE, Brewster.