SYCAMORE - The Mohawk Local School District will not place another permanent improvement levy on the ballot in the spring. At Monday night's school board meeting, Superintendent Kenneth Ratliff said his sense is residents of the district do not want a tax increase. District voters rejected the levy in November.
Ratliff also said exams at the completion of courses will replace the Ohio Graduation Test after the first of the year.
Along with most school districts, Mohawk is reviewing its policies regarding the security and safety of students and staff. Elementary principal Carl Long discussed security guidelines now in place, describing the practice of "lock downs" with the county sheriff's office critiquing the process.
Visitors and volunteers are required to be marked in a manner to identify them as belonging there. Ratliff said the district must do everything it can to ensure the safety of the students.
Student members of the Future Farmers of America addressed the board on activities, including providing a presentation on homelessness and the dangers of texting and driving.
High school principal Brett Graham related recent activities of the students, including a successful blood drive and donations toward needy community members through a "Giving Tree."
Mohawk schools treasurer Roy Swartz announced the health insurance costs will realize a savings of $40,000 through third party administrator Medical Mutual Health Services taking over duties from Employees Management Benefits.
Along with personnel actions, the board approved:
Overnight trips to wrestling tournaments at Napoleon and Perrysburg high schools.
Mohawk Community Library appropriations for 2013.
Increased working hours of certain cafeteria workers.
Supplemental contract for Joseph Lewis as pep band director.
Increased appropriation for bond retirement fund by about $6.09 million.
Increased appropriation to athletic fund by $15,000 from wrestling teams Night Out fundraiser.
Disability retirement of food service worker Patricia A. Hushour at the end of February.
The organizational meeting for the new year is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 14, 2013.
