West Holmes Board Advances School Support, Staffing, and Transportation Matters

The West Holmes Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting on Nov. 10 at Lakeville Elementary, addressing routine financial oversight while taking actions with immediate effects on students and families. The board accepted resignations, approved new staff assignments, authorized payments related to out of district transportation and endorsed donations that will support school programs.

The treasurer delivered month end reconciliation and fund summaries, providing the board its routine fiscal review. The superintendent offered committee reports, updated members on the FFA program and provided an update on the K through 5 building, indicating ongoing attention to facilities and program planning. Lakeville Elementary Principal Brian Zimmerly recognized students who achieved perfect scores on state tests, a notable academic accomplishment for families and the community.

In new business the board approved donating several items to the athletic boosters and accepted a monetary donation to Nashville Elementary from Russell Cellular of Millersburg, a Verizon dealer. The transfers of equipment to booster organizations and the corporate donation both reflect community partnerships that bolster extracurricular programs and school activities at a time when many districts are managing tight budgets.

The board also authorized payments in lieu of transportation for families whose students attend Wooster Christian School. That policy option provides families with alternative support when district provided busing is not available, but it also raises questions about equitable access to services for families who choose private or parochial schooling. For low income households the payments may offset transportation barriers, yet the board and the public will need to monitor whether the arrangement meets needs fairly across the district.

Personnel matters included acceptance of resignations from Debra Vance, a school cook, and Morgan Gerber, girls tennis coach. The departures may affect continuity in food service and athletics. The board approved new substitutes and supplemental contracts to fill needs, and it approved Shannon Fogle as the high school softball head coach pending completion of a background check. Maintaining staffing for food service and extracurriculars touches on student nutrition, mental health and opportunities for engagement outside the classroom, which are important determinants of student wellbeing.

These decisions underscore how local school board actions ripple across Holmes County communities, influencing day to day school operations, extracurricular access and family supports. The board will next convene on Dec. 15 at West Holmes High School, where residents can follow developments and raise concerns about services, equity and the allocation of limited public resources.