Stenz family donates memorial bench
Krisann Stenz, left, Max Stenz and Daniel Stenz donate bench to the Tusky Valley community in honor of their late son Peter Stenz.
The Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools Board of Education met April 14 and received a special donation from the Stenz family of Sherrodsville. Daniel and Krisann Stenz, along with their son Max, donated a bench in memory of Peter Stenz, their 11-year-old son and brother who died in 2022.
Peter was an honor student who loved to read, especially the Harry Potter series, and listened to The Beatles. The bench, constructed by Smith Steel Works in Utah, was donated to the school community as a tribute to Peter’s love of learning.
Superintendent Derek Varansky announced that a tree would be planted behind the elementary school in Peter’s memory. He also thanked the Stenz family for their donation of the story walk on the elementary playground, which features 18 panels that allow students to read while playing.
Varansky was also recognized during the meeting for being named Educator of the Year by the Ohio Middle Level Association. The honor is the most distinguished award the organization can present and recognizes significant contributions to middle-level education. Varansky will receive the award in November 2025.
The board approved three-year administrative contracts for Steven Franks, athletic director, and Jason Phillips, principal. The contracts are effective from Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028.
The board accepted several donations and grants, including $10,000 from the Tusky Valley Youth Athletic Foundation, $1,500 from the Cindy and Jon Elsasser Charitable Fund, $1,000 each from Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad and Wood Electric Inc., $500 each from Progressive Foam and RJ Wright & Son Ltd., and $50 from St. John UCC for the Washington, D.C., trip. The board also acknowledged the donation of the memorial bench in honor of Peter Stenz. Most of the donations will go toward the district's turf and athletic fields project.
Supplemental contracts were approved for Brian Finney, Jennifer Gardner, Matt Gray, Ciera Johnson, Jason Phillips, and Melissa Unklesby to serve as chaperones for the Washington, D.C., trip.
Resignations were accepted from Chad Gintz, middle and high school custodian, effective April 3; Merri Gensley, middle and high school instrumental music teacher, for retirement effective May 31; Sarah Everhart, Buckeye Career Center paraprofessional, effective June 5; and Jeremy Taylor, middle and high school counselor, effective June 12. Board member Dick Gooding praised Gensley’s dedication, noting her high expectations for students and the awards earned by the swing and concert bands.
The board voted to eliminate a classified OAPSE midday custodian position at the middle and high school administrative building and created a new eight-hour morning custodian position for the same area, effective April 4. OAPSE transfers were approved for Tyler Zimmerman, from high school morning custodian to the administrative building, and Larry Leshon, from elementary evening custodian to the middle and high school.
Five-year teaching contracts were issued to Katie Kouskouri and Stephen Tripp. One-, two-, and three-year contracts were also issued to other certified staff. Summer custodial employees Beci Leshon, Jason Melzer, Angila Terry, Chris Stump, and Beth Widder were approved to work as needed at a rate of $15 per day for eight-hour shifts.
One-year certified contracts were granted to Hannah Sudduth, intervention specialist, and Halie Sciury, first grade teacher, both effective Aug. 15, 2025. Glenn Brandon was employed as an elementary custodian, pending credential verification. The board also approved 12 non-teaching contracts and continuing contracts for Ronald Burton, Jason Melzer, and Krystal Powell.
Students of the Month were recognized, including Noe Quastana, high school; Aidan Bower, fine artist; Hunter Campagna McGuffin, athlete; Brody Wolf, junior; Elliott Wallick, sophomore; Kayleigh Wiseman, freshman; Audrina Kenosky, eighth grade; and Carson Dunlap, seventh grade.
The board encouraged the community to contact legislators as the Ohio Senate prepares to vote on school funding in June. The National Honor Society induction ceremony will be held April 23 at 6 p.m. The elementary and middle school production of "The Lion King" will be performed May 8-10 at the high school performing arts center. Tickets are available on the district’s website.
The next board meeting will take place Monday, May 12, at 6 p.m. in the community board room at 2637 Tusky Valley Road NE, Zoarville.