Volunteers needed for the big moving day
Superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky and Director of Operations Mark Murphy.
The Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education viewed a construction transparency video narrated by Superintendent Derek Varansky during Monday’s board meeting.
Varansky said the new campus is being constructed without a bond issue or property tax increase thanks to Rover Pipeline and the Ohio Facilities Commission, which is paying all but 39% of the total cost of the local share of $41.5 million.
The new grades 7-12 high school will open Sept. 5. Volunteers are needed for moving days on May 26, May 30 and June 9. A 19,000-square-foot addition is being added to the current middle school and will house prekindergarten through sixth grade. All district students will be on one campus by September 2024.
The board accepted the resignation of Mark Murphy, director of operations, for retirement, effective Aug. 1. Murphy said it has been an honor to serve, lead and grow in his role as superintendent and director of operations for the district the past 18 years.
“I am beyond grateful for my career in public education and for my longevity in the district. I credit the board of education, past and present, for that,” Murphy said. “Although the board is taking action on my retirement, I am not done working and leading. Lord willing, my goal is to continue serving as owner representative for the construction project on behalf of Dr. Varansky, treasurer Mark Phillips and our board of education and to see this part of the district’s vision to successful completion.
“I am excited for the future of the district. We have something very special here, and I am ecstatic for all that is in store for the children, staff and families of our wonderful community.”
Board member Sally Green thanked Murphy and the staff and said Murphy has been an inspiration to the district and it has excelled under his leadership.
In another matter Tiffany Shaw, middle school technology teacher, gave an update on a new computer science programming class that will begin in the fall. She is moving from middle school to grades 7-12.
Several Project Lead the Way distinguished district leaders and school awards were recognized. They spoke about the PLTW Showcase that was recognized statewide, of which Shaw also participates.
The board also did the following:
—Passed a resolution asking the Tuscarawas County auditor to certify the amount of a renewal levy to place on the Nov. 7 ballot. The 10-year current levy generates $1,875,000 and is used for day-to-day operations of the school. Passage of the renewal levy will not increase property taxes.
—Approved the fiscal year 2022 state auditor’s report; the district received an unqualified opinion, meaning no findings.
—Accepted donations/grants of $600 from Tuscarawas Valley Ruritan Club and $250 from the Ohio Eagles, both speech donations; $500 from Bolivar Lion’s Club for Project Lead the Way Showcase; and $400 from Zoar United Church of Christ for the negative lunch account.
—Granted one-year supplemental contracts to 15 certified employees and six contracted employees.
—Granted a one-year supplemental contract to Shelby Thompson, head girls golf.
—Issued one-year certified contracts to Kathryn Spinell, TV primary first-grade teacher, and Kaylene Hoy, elementary intervention specialist, both effective Aug. 1.
—Appointed Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Work Well at 110 Dublin Drive in Dover as the designated medical center to perform department of transportation physicals and random drug and breath alcohol testing for certified bus and van drivers, as required by law.
—Passed a resolution for the deed of permanent easement for waterlines to be installed to the new building.
Other information
The board recognized Student of the Month recipients Megan Latimer, high school; Jeffery Worrell, high school fine artist; Kadence Stutz, athlete; Leland Gerry, fifth grade; Conner Powell, sixth grade; Emilee Grafe, seventh grade; Kaydee Davidson, eighth grade; and Patrick Bosler, middle school fine artist.
High school graduation will be held May 19 at 7 p.m. in the stadium. The last day for students is May 25 with a two-hour early dismissal.
The next board of education meeting will be held June 12 at 6 p.m. in the high school Trojan Center at 2637 Tusky Valley Road in Zoarville.