East Holmes Board Approves Donations, Policy Revisions, Personnel Changes
At its October 17 meeting, reported November 17, the East Holmes Local Schools Board of Education approved routine financial and personnel actions and accepted more than sixteen thousand dollars in community donations. These decisions affect extracurricular programming, facility improvements, and budget management, matters that directly impact students, families, and local taxpayers.
The East Holmes Local Schools Board of Education met on October 17 and approved a slate of routine but consequential items that administrators said will support student programs and move planned projects forward. The board accepted the treasurer's September financial report, including approval of a Then and Now certificate to Jostens for eight thousand six hundred forty six dollars and sixty six cents, designated for the Hiland yearbook fund.
Board members formally accepted donations totaling more than sixteen thousand dollars from businesses and community groups. Contributions included one hundred sixty dollars from Holmes Excavating Co. LLC, and multiple donations of two hundred dollars each from several local transport companies to support the Hiland Leadership Class flag football shirts. Mavin donated five hundred dollars to the Winesburg Walk and Run Club. ForeverLawn of Ohio committed fifteen thousand dollars toward a turf installation at Walnut Creek. Mark Smith Offroading Inc. gave two hundred fifty dollars to the Hiland Vocal Department. Collectively these gifts demonstrate active local support for extracurricular activities and facility enhancements.
The board also approved a package of policy revisions required to align district practices with state and federal rules. While the meeting materials did not list each policy change in detail, trustees characterized the updates as necessary to maintain compliance and to protect district access to state and federal funding streams. Policy alignment remains an ongoing administrative responsibility that affects everything from student services to procurement and personnel procedures.
On personnel matters the board approved substitute staff through East Holmes and the Tri County Educational Service Center, and they granted a one year limited classified contract to paraprofessional Billie Hershberger. Trustees also authorized a number of supplemental positions for the 2025 to 2026 school year, including assistant musical directors, staff for spring and fall plays, musical pit and orchestra roles, and split stipends for Esports Club advisers, including Chad Hochstetler and another adviser. These hires and stipend arrangements are intended to sustain arts, performance and emerging competitive activities for students.
For local residents the actions underscore the degree to which school programming depends on a mix of district budgeting, targeted donations, and supplemental staffing. The ForeverLawn contribution in particular advances a capital level project that could affect recreational opportunities and maintenance costs at Walnut Creek. The acceptance of private donations for specific programs highlights community investment, while the policy revisions and contract approvals reflect routine governance responsibilities that shape how the district operates.
The board scheduled its next regular meeting for November 21. Reported by Your Ohio News on November 17, 2025, the October 17 meeting provides a snapshot of district priorities as the school year progresses.
