Fisher appointed to board of education seat
Sarah Schoeppner, left, Superintendent Derek Varansky and Erin Karolewski, Trojan Pride award recipients for Affordable Christmas.
Adam Fisher was appointed to serve on the Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education during the Feb. 10 meeting. Treasurer Mark Phillips administered the oath of office. Fisher will fill the unexpired term of Katy Johnson, who resigned in January. The term expires Dec. 31, 2025.
He has been employed at the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years and is currently a captain and is supervising the detective bureau and field training while investigating criminal cases. There were 13 applicants for the position, and each was interviewed.
“There is a need for the community to be involved in education, and I have learned good things through law enforcement. Over the years I have been involved with kids and can invest in their futures,” Fisher said.
In another matter Richard Gooding, board member, highlighted information about phase three for improvements to the sporting facilities, which includes upgrading the athletic fields to install turf, upgrading bleachers and stadium lights. This also includes the band. He said a committee will be formed, and there will be a meeting Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the community board room or call or email Athletic Director Steve Franks at 330-859-8812 or steve.franks@tvtrojans.org.
The board also did the following:
—Rescinded the lease agreement modification with Cardinal Rehab, approved at the December 2024 regular meeting, to remove the clinic leased space and revert to the original lease agreement approved at the Aug. 12, 2024 board meeting. They are not planning to expand at this time.
—Presented the Trojan Pride award to Sarah Schoeppner, an elementary technology teacher, and Erin Karolewski, past intervention teacher, both involved with the Affordable Christmas program, which collects gifts for children in the district.
—Granted supplemental contracts to certified employees Gabby Crum, Sarah Schoeppner, Terry Sites, Stephen Tripp and Matt Ward, all sixth grade camp chaperones; John Blile and Sandy DeBos, assistant track; and Kaylene Hoy, middle school track.
—Accepted the resignations of certified employees Janet Cornell, elementary Project Lead the Way, and Elise Lab, first grade teacher, both for retirement, effective June 5, 2025.
—Granted one-year supplemental athletic contracts to contracted employees Tonya Finney, assistant track volunteer; Craig Lieser, middle school track; Kristen Miller, assistant softball; and Owen Poland, assistant baseball volunteer.
—Accepted a $100,000 donation from Eleet Cryogenics Inc. for the seventh grade to 12th grade auditorium.
—Approved the 2025-26 school calendar as follows: Aug. 20, first day for students first grade through 12th grade; Aug. 27, first full day for kindergarten; and May 28, 2026, last day for students.
—Entered into a clinical affiliation agreement with Stark State College for an internship with Stacey Bettis, food service director.
—Approved a nonmandatory out-of-state trip for the high school cross country team to Cedar City, Utah July 15-20.
—Approved the 2025 annual membership dues for the Ohio Education Policy Institute at $1,000.
—Learned under the new state funding for the school district, the district would lose $250,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year. The community was encouraged to call their legislators.
Other information
The board recognized Zander Tidrick, who is earning his Eagle Scout for constructing shelves in a classroom of the former high school to house sports equipment.
The board recognized Student of the Month recipients Zander Tidrick, student; Allison Ernst, fine artist; Dylan Congdon, athlete; Sydney Miller, junior; Brennen Reichman, sophomore; Piper Fogle, freshman; DJ Levengood, eighth grade; and Cyrus Jezewski, seventh grade.
The next meeting will be March 10 at 6 p.m. in the community board room, 2637 Tusky Valley Road NE, Zoarville.