TCS board approves administration pacts

Tiffin City Board of Education approved administrator contracts and building reassignments Tuesday during its regular meeting. The board approved the reassignment of Robert Boes, who served as Tiffin Middle School principal, to serve as assistant superintendent with a three-year contract effective Aug. 1. Shawn Murphy, who had been TMS dean of students, is to become TMS principal, with a three-year contract effect Saturday. Board Vice President Dean Henry, who served as president during the meeting in the absence of President Chris Widman, said, "I am delighted to see Mr. Boes and Mr. Murphy in these positions." "I'm excited to see Mr. Boes work with the new superintendent," Henry said. "They will make a phenomenal team." The board also approved contracts for Maryl Hill, director of student services effective Aug. 1 with a two-year contract, and Nichole Jiran, Washington K-1 principal effective Saturday with a two-year contract. Hill had worked in Findlay City Schools as the secondary special education supervisor and Jiran had worked previously in the Marion City Schools and as superintendent for Hopewell-Loudon Local Schools for three years. "I'm excited to get back to the kids," Jiran said. "I get to go back to what I love the most, making a difference on the lives of kids." Scott Daniel, director of operations, addressed the board about the potential notice of a hearing regarding a liquor license permit through U.S. Petro, located at 260 S. Washington St. Daniel said the board would have 30 days to request a hearing to address the permit because the location is within 500 feet of a school. The board indicated no need to request a hearing. Tiffin residents Mark Hoerig and Roland Zimmerman addressed the board about Gary Barber, newly hired Tiffin City Schools superintendent, who was cited with operating a vehicle under the influence following an accident May 30. Hoerig said when he found out about the incident, he went through several emotions. It was a comment he read online that changed his view, he said. In the comment, Hoerig said, "(Barber) warrants a second chance. The Tiffin community should hold him accountable." "If (Barber) wants to continue to lead Tiffin and the board still wants him to lead, then I am all for it," Hoerig said. "He has not yet been convicted." Zimmerman said he came to the meeting to question the board about a letter to the editor he submitted the The Advertiser-Tribune. He said he met Barber and plans to meet with him again to discuss his concerns with his leadership. Zimmerman also addressed the lack of recognition the board has given to the Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology students' national wins. "It is my hope technical education is important and to take the opportunity to recognize the students," he said. Carissa Allen of Tiffin also addressed the board. Regarding Barber, Allen said. "It is not the best, but there is support out there and we should remain civil and learn from our mistakes." Tiffin resident Wendy Rosen addressed the board about the high school student handbook and asked why the code of ethics involving drugs and alcohol is directed only to student athletics and not other extracurricular activities. She indicated it should be across the board. On another matter, the board approved a contract for consulting services with Barber effective May 24-July 31 at a daily rate of $638. The contract is for Barber, who becomes superintendent Aug. 1, to meet with staff and the administration during a transition period. The board entered into executive session to discuss imminent court action. No action was taken. In other news, the board: • Heard committee reports. • Approved employment, resignations and retirements. • Accepted donations. • Approved employment of non-licensed individuals J. Robert Fittro, seventh- and eighth-grade boys and girls cross country team, and John Tomaszewski, assistant varsity football. • Approved a contract with Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties for $60,000. • Approved a resolution authorizing continued membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2017-18 school year. • Approved amended administrative salary classifications. • Approved a contract for yoga class services with Real Yoga LLC. • Approved a circuit training contract with P.T. Services Rehabilitation Inc. • Approved a trip by the Tiffin Columbian High School Band to Nashville, Tennessee. • Approved a contract with Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative. • Approved a 2017-18 contract with Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities. • Approved revised board policies and regulations. • Approved the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation group-retrospective rating program. • Adopted a resolution accepting a $6,001 grant from OSS Solid Waste District. • Approved a contract with Joseph Moore, director of the International Cultural Center. • Approved a tentative agreement with the Tiffin Education Association effective July 1-June 30, 2020. • Approved Ohio School Board Association policy service and Policy Development Quarterly e-newsletter. • Agreed to the employer pickup of employee contributions. • Approved student referral for assertive technology services with UCP of Greater Cleveland. The board is to meet at 7 p.m. July 25 in Tiffin Middle School, 103 Shepherd Drive.