Garaway BOE approves contracts, roofing project
The Garaway Board of Education granted contract renewals during its meeting April 14, including a three-year renewal for Tonie Horn, school psychologist. One-year classified contract renewals were also approved for Patricia Maurer, van driver, and Rachel Moore, teacher’s aide.
The board accepted the retirements of Sherry Bichsel, third-grade teacher at Dundee Elementary, and Richard Seilhammer, elementary physical education teacher, both effective at the end of the school year. Resignations included Cindy Weiss, school psychologist, effective March 21, and David Masters, high school math teacher, effective at the end of the 2024–25 school year.
One-year certified contracts were approved for Sydney Byas, first-grade teacher at Dundee Elementary; Hunter Bradly, math teacher at Garaway 7–12; and Maguire Morris, elementary physical education teacher. The board also approved the transfer of Carol Renner from first grade to third grade at Dundee Elementary, and Hannah Nolley from second grade at Miller Avenue Elementary to intervention specialist for multi-handicapped students at Miller Avenue.
The board approved an administrative contract addendum for Scott Sauernheimer, cafeteria manager. A $50 donation from Nancy Harrison was accepted on behalf of the high school National Honor Society in appreciation of the group’s community service.
Seventeen two-year certified contract renewals and 13 three-year certified contract renewals were granted. Continuing classified contracts were approved for Brittany Collins, Leanne Harman, Amber Miller, Faith Miller, James Parson, Sheila Troyer, Tania Wengerd, Atlanta Yoder, and Tammy Yoder. The board also approved renewal of seven two-year classified contracts.
A contract was approved with Triad Roofing for a total roofing project at Miller Avenue Elementary at a cost of $310,000. A separate contract with Cardinal Roofing was approved for asbestos removal at a district-owned property located at 214 Dover Road NW in Sugarcreek at a cost of $8,500. The board entered into a contract with RLA Excavating for the demolition of a house at the same address at a cost of $29,050, and for parking lot excavation at a cost of $2,995.
The board granted a fire department training waiver and release agreement with the village to use the 214 Dover Road NW property for a training exercise, pending receipt of a village insurance certificate and formal approval. A contract was also approved with Schlabach Painting to paint the gym at Miller Avenue Elementary at a cost of $10,765.
Approval was given for the disposal of old middle school lighting in the most efficient manner. The board approved a contract with OME-RESA for e-rate funding for internet access at a cost of $12,865, and with Chi Corporation for network equipment at a cost of $11,905. Both projects will benefit from a 60 percent discount through e-rate funding.
Julia Weaver, a Kent State Tuscarawas student, was approved for a student teaching placement with teacher Sara (last name not provided) for the upcoming school year.
The board approved the music department’s trip to Orlando, Florida, scheduled for March 29 through April 2, 2026. It was also noted that 2025 graduating seniors will have non-attendance days from May 15–16 and May 19–23 and May 27–30, 2025.
One-year classified contracts were approved for Monica Burkholder, special services aide at Ragersville Elementary; Marissa Sprowl and Riley Starner, both special services aides at Miller Avenue Elementary; and Melissa Ripple, healthcare professional.
Summer workers for the district were also approved, including Spencer Renicker, Cole Maurer, and Andrew Miller.
In other business, the board recognized the March Students of the Month: Amber Swartzentruber, high school; Logan Jabs, middle school; Brady Hershberger, artist; Parker Lahm, employee; and Mitchell Teteault, athlete.
The next board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 19 in the high school library at 146 Dover Road NW in Sugarcreek.