Tiffin district to cut ties with NCOESC

The Tiffin City Board of Education approved a resolution to terminate service contracts with North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, with a vote 3-2 Tuesday. The decision to move to terminate the services with the NCOESC was brought up by Board President Shirley Smith, who voted for the resolution. Smith said she felt the decision was in the best interest of the district financially. Smith and Board Vice President Roland Zimmerman said they continually have seen NCOESC criticizing the district and board members. Zimmerman also voted for the resolution to be passed Tuesday. Board member Randy Schwartz also voted in favor of the resolution. He said the district could potentially save $40,000 a year by providing the services in-house. “ESCs are designed and set up to assist local school districts and work with us.” Schwartz said. “I have not seen that with the local ESC.” Members Chris Widman and Jeff Hoyda voted against the resolution Tuesday. Widman said he feels it has gotten away from the issue about opening a preschool and turned into getting rid of the ESC. “There has been a lot of information we have learned since the vote in March,” Widman said. “For both sides getting ready to move forward, I feel we have the opportunity to re-evaluate our decisions.” Widman said. “The constant attacking is useless. No child is benefiting, none.” Superintendent Vicki Wheatley said the district is to look into contracting with a different ESC. Hoyda said before he voted he wanted to see the prices of a new ESC compared to the current ESC. Wheatley said they had no prices at the time Tuesday. Wheatley issued a statement following the meeting Tuesday, stating, “For years, we have had a long-standing relationship with our county office, one in which we have received exceptional support. However, during the past year, we have developed the belief that a fresh start with a new educational service center would be more beneficial to our district.” A message was left for Jim Lahoski, superintendent of the NCOESC. During the meeting, Smith said the board is to go on a retreat to discuss board policies and procedures. Smith said she had moved the public input session following board reports and is to allow only 15 minutes for public input, with three minutes per person. Smith said she had gotten the go-ahead by a representative of the Ohio School Board Association. Tiffin resident Clarissa Allen addressed the board Tuesday, stating the meeting is a public forum and limiting the time for community members to speak is “the wrong way to go.” “Seeing decisions done behind closed doors opens up to bigger problems,” Allen said. Wendy Rosen also addressed the board, stating she still has yet to see the amount of savings the district is to have with the opening of the preschool building. The design from the architect was to be shown this month and it has not, she said. Community members Lindsay Felske, Mark Stover and Mark Hoerig also addressed the board Tuesday issuing their concerns. Zimmerman presented an update on the decision from the board about the opening of the preschool Tuesday. Zimmerman said there are four reasons the board decided to open the preschool, including: to have children more academically ready for kindergarten; to establish relationships; to be more fiscally responsible; and to promote greater local decision making. Zimmerman also said the school would be able to offer breakfast, lunch and a snack and the potential of a summer program. Scott Daniel, director of operations for Tiffin, also gave an update on the Lincoln building, saying the architect is to meet with Richland County Building Codes and Inspections. Afterward, Daniel is to set up a public meeting to review the plans. Heather Justen, director of early childhood and early childhood supervisor, also addressed the board Tuesday. She said there is a power struggle between Tiffin City Schools and Family Learning Center. “It is better that we work together rather than against each other,” Justen said. Justen asked the board members how they would be able to account in their budgets for 60 children along with a summer program. The board also heard from representatives from the newly established girls soccer team. The board entered into executive session to discuss the employment of public employees. No action was taken. In other news, the board: Heard committee reports. Heard first reading of recommended revised board policies. Heard additional superintendent reports, including the introduction of Michelle Tuite as the new director of instruction and personnel; an update on the coordinator and marketing/grant writing position; and an update on the Ohio School Facilities Commission. Heard director of operations reports and recommendations, including training for administration of medicines and an update on school bus safety procedures. Approved a five-year forecast and assumptions. The forecast is to be submitted by the end of October. Approved retirement resignations of teachers Deb Baker and Robert Johnston, both effective June 1, 2015; support staff Carl Kapelka, bus driver, effective Jan. 1, 2015 and Patricia Smith, custodian, effective Jan. 1, 2015. Approved resignations of Charlene Thomas, substitute aide, effective Oct. 6; and Wesley Ferguson, aide, effective Oct. 31. Approved several employment contracts. Accepted donations. Approved the reinstatement of the ticket manager position. Approved an agreement between Tiffin City Schools and Ashland University’s Telego Center for Educational Improvement at a cost of $5,750, to be paid from Title I funds. Approved the tuition rate for the 2014-15 school year at $4,221. Approved the employment for non-licensed individuals with pupil-activity contracts for Lisa King, spring musical and music director; and Lindsay Smith, spring musical and technical director/choreographer; Taylor Miller, wrestling for seventh and eighth grades; Isaac Williams, assistant varsity wrestling; Jordan Beacorn, volunteer for seventh and eighth grade wrestling; Darl Wilson and David Jones, volunteers bowling; and Ashley Dewitt, assistant varsity girls basketball. The next regular meeting is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 25 in the cafetorium of the Tiffin Middle School, 103 Shepherd Drive.