Concern raised over coach contract

During a meeting of the Tiffin City Board of Education, a concern was raised on coach evaluations regarding a non-renewal of varsity girls basketball and track and field coach Amy Cooper's contract. Bryan Cooper, Amy's husband, addressed the board during the public comment portion of the meeting. Bryan said his wife is hurt and said she wasn't "given a fair shot." Bryan said the reasoning for her non-renewal is the athletic department said it is going in a "different direction." Superintendent Michael Zalar said he had meetings with Amy, union representatives, Athletic Director Daniel Hartsel, Principal Forrest Trisler and others. The decision was a recommendation from Hartsel and Trisler, Zalar said, and he referenced the department was "taking a new direction." On another matter, Tiffin resident and parent Erin Simmons addressed the board on her concerns with the special education department and the lack of response from the board and school administration regarding an invitation to a meeting to address her concerns. "Why are my children's educations not as important?" she asked. Principal Forrest Trisler presented highlights from Columbian High School from the year. During the meeting, the board recognized Jane Dietrich, Noble Elementary fourth grade teacher, as the third quarter Crystal Apple Award recipient. In addition, the following retirements were recognized — Tamara Aldrich, five years; Thomas Cahil, 10 years; Sheila Comer, 22 years; Constance English, 20 years; Candace Mustamaa, nine years; Kimberly Orwig, 36 years; Norbert Scherger, 12 years. The board tabled the following action items: the 2022-2023 Columbian parent/student handbook to allow for the updated building open and start times to be added; and the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center contract for the fiscal year 2023, to allow for further discussion on the cost for preschool students. In other news, the board: Heard committee reports. Approved employment, retirements and resignations. Accepted donations and grants. Approved the staff handbook. Approves school nurse agreement with Mercy Health — Tiffin Hospital Aug. 1 through June 30, 2023. Approved a contract with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties. Approved the Heggerty Literacy Curriculum quote. Approved the subscription with Apex Learning. Approved the JB roofing proposal for sealing the Columbian High School roof. Approved the revised teacher-librarian/library media specialist job description. Approved the updated five-year forecast and assumptions. Approved to deny the OAPSE grievance with Brenda Eisenhower as presented at the April 25 board meeting.