Shouting match at Mohawk meeting

SYCAMORE – The public participation portion of a Mohawk Board of Education meeting wednesday dissolved into a shouting match that included personal accusations and lasted 70 minutes. A sheriff’s deputy was called. The discussion included concerns about school security, the superintendent’s use of his Facebook page, the change in drop-off/pick-up procedures, open communication and bullying. Board President Michelle Koehler quoted board policy and used the gavel in her effort to gain control. The sheriff’s deputy cautioned two people who were speaking out of turn. Seven people in the audience participated in the shouting match. The 24 parents in attendance were advised to follow the chain of command when they have concerns. Koehler said board members would review a packet of information from parent Minnie Danner before they respond to her multiple complaints. One area of concern dealt with an incident in early December in which Izaha Akins, 18, of Marion, posed as a state senator and made a presentation to a social studies class at Mohawk. Akins, who gave the presentation under his real name, told school staff he had replaced State Sen. Dave Burke, R-Marysville, saying the senator resigned due to an illness. Burke, who has not resigned, was scheduled to speak at the school in January, and officials realized they had been duped when Burke arrived at the school on the original date. Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office conducted a criminal investigation and Akins was charged Feb. 10 with telecommunications fraud, a fifth-degree felony, and impersonation of a peace officer, a third-degree felony, according to court documents. Koehler said the sheriff’s office has said there was nothing more the school could have done to prevent the impostor from entering the building. More security cameras are to be installed. In another matter, to mark its 50th anniversary, the Class of 1965 has established a teacher activity fund. Each year, two middle school teachers are to be selected to purchase additional supplies. The class urged other classes and individuals to contribute to the fund. In other business, Koehler asked the board to develop a handbook for future members and to set a work session with an Ohio School Board Association facilitator. The board authorized: The treasurer to advertise for a 65-passenger bus. A contract with ITsavvy, contingent upon approval of E-Rate funding, at a cost not to exceed $35,004. A mid-year contract with North Central Ohio Educational Service Center for educational services for this school year. Hiring of Stephanie Smith as a substitute teacher and the Home Bound instructor effective March 8. Appointing Jake Moyer as a high school assistant boys track coach and Aaron Ekleberry as junior high track volunteer. A policy concerning rental fees for the CTC building and the Hall of Fame by-laws. One-year contracts for Drew Bender, Abby Gottfried, Darci Porter, Megan Regutti, Abbey Schwartz, Melissa Vourhees, Gemma White and Brett Weideremann. Three-year contracts for Chelsea Bilger, Chris Clinger, Lynsey Cook, Amber Crow, Eric Daniel, Colleen Gase, Kaycee Hallett, Becky Price and Brad Rice.