001conscientious student. She is a high-achieving student in all of her classes. She is reliable, responsible, and always gives her best on each assignment. She enjoys reading and writing about her favorite books. Mrs. Ensley, her ELA teacher. Peyton is a hard-working student who strives to do well in school. Peyton enjoys reading and writing and can most likely be found with her nose in a book during any classroom downtime. Peyton is well-spoken and polite and is just an all-around kind person. I enjoyed having her in sixth grade ELA and I knew she would do well in Power of the Pen. So, Mrs. Ensley was her teacher last year. Mrs. Basala, her math teacher. You had her last year, too, right? And she also coached you. Uh she calls her pull-back Peyton. Her name just brings joy. She
002has such a great mindset that she can and will accomplish anything. In the math classroom, any skill becomes a challenge that she puts her mind to learn. She works well with others, stays on task task, is goofy and polite all at the same time. Pull-back Peyton is a very well-rounded student as well. I was able to coach her in U6 soccer. Peyton learned the pull-back skill the first week of prac- practice and used it in every game to beat the defender. I still have hope to one day see her back on the soccer field just as she shines in basketball. Until then, pull-back Peyton, you are so well deserving of this award and I am very proud of you. And for me, Peyton is the kind of student that just goes about her business without
003making too much of a stir or a fuss about it. She works hard and is very conscientious. I also found out that she is driven to succeed. She has a great attitude and is very respectful. All of these qualities are why her teachers and I decided that she should be the honored student representing the middle school. Congratulations, Payton. >> [applause] >> Hang on. Hang on. Hold on. Would any of her family like to come up for a picture? Come on up. >> behalf of the Board of Education and myself, we give you this certificate so that you can always remember this honor. I don't think it's going to be your last honor. >> [laughter] >> I think you've got more to do. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations, Payton. I have that for you also.
004>> Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. >> [applause] >> Next, I'd like to welcome up Lisa Carroll. >> [applause] >> Lisa is our honored classified person of the month. Lisa has worked at West Branch for 15 years and her positions have been as an inclusion aid and a paraprofessional. Before that, she worked 13 years at a bank. >> [clears throat] >> She likes spending time with her family and friends. Her family being her husband, William, son, Connor, stepson, David, grandson, Jaxton, and granddaughter, Annora. Her favorite thing about being an aid in a school is that is when she has students in a room and they are eager to read or better yet, when they get the confidence to read in the classroom. When they want to try to do something on their own first
005and and have her check it, that's growth. Or when a student can't wait to show her the test they just passed. Seeing the kids that she helps and the smile on their face when they feel confident and achieve a goal. That's some of the things that she loves about being an aide. I'm going to share a few things about what some of the teachers have worked Mrs. with Mrs. Carroll have to say. Miss Lisa, as the kids call her, is so deserving of this award. I have had the privilege of working with Lisa in my classroom for many years. I could ask anything of her and she will help 100% of the time. Although I say that I can ask her anything, I normally don't need to as she is a natural hands-on person and
006sees what needs done and does it. The kids love her. She is so kind and compassionate to the students that she helps, but still has high expectations for them. They work hard for her. When she takes kids out of the room for help, she always has the other students wanting to go along with her. Lisa is truly invaluable to me. Not only do I consider her a colleague, but a great friend. And that's from Jackie Lyons, seventh grade science teacher. Next one is says that Lisa is a blessing to work with. Beyond her kindness and patience, she stands out for her dedication to the students at West Branch. Not only does she help them with their current classwork, but she tries to teach them long-term skills and strategies they will need for future success. Her
007genuine care for the students is evident in the way she interacts with them on a daily basis. Our district is incredibly fortunate to have her. That's from fourth grade teacher General Haley. And one more I have is a teacher says I have had the pleasure of working beside Lisa Carroll this year in fifth grade science. She is a dedicated support staff member that makes a daily difference in the lives of our students. There is nothing that Mrs. Carroll will shy away from. You can find her right smack in the middle of any and all science experiments and activities. I love that Mrs. Carroll pushes our students to be the best they can be. She values hard work and perseverance and demands that from our students. We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Carroll working with
008the students at West Branch. And that's from Tonya Eady, fifth grade science teacher. Some of the reasons that I chose Lisa is because number one, I can count on her. She has a back door duty first thing in the morning. Well, I got to be out there at 7:10. I make it open the door. She greets all of our students coming in uh from uh their car riders. So, I know I know that I can always count on her. When you're not there, I'll back my mind I've got to make sure I get that door covered or make sure your sub covers it. She's very professional. She fulfills her duty without complaint. Uh but she also professional enough to approach me and advocate for herself. An example of this is a few years ago when
009she was a preschool aide. It was something that she really didn't want to do, but she did it anyway. But at the end of the year, she did ask for me to move her to a different position and we were able to do that. Um her ability to work well with a variety of teachers is another reason I chose her. Everyone welcomes her into their room and is happy to have her in her room. And then finally, her impact on students. Mrs. Carroll demands that her students work hard, but she does so in a caring manner so that students respond favorably to her. She does this because she wants to see each student grow and reach their potential. So, congratulations, Lisa Carroll, our honored classified person. >> [applause] >> LISA, ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
010OF Education and someone who's worked with you for many years, I can't thank you enough for everything you've always done for all of us. >> [snorts] >> Honestly, you teach and you give to kids and you deeply care. Um I'm thinking of one girl in particular that you really took under your wing and uh she kind of walked around near the uh walls. She was in her shell, but she opened up to you. So, thank you for all you do for our kids. >> YOU'RE WELCOME. >> [applause] >> THANK YOU. >> THANKS, BETH. >> [applause] [cough] [clears throat] >> NOW, I'D LIKE TO WELCOME Liz Cadman UP FRONT HERE. >> [applause] >> LIZ IS OUR HONORED EDUCATOR. Liz has worked in the West Branch School District for 15 years and is currently a fourth-grade language
011arts and social studies teacher. She's only ever worked at West Branch as a teacher, was hired right out of college and started as an intervention specialist at Damascus Elementary, which is now the ELC, before removing moving to a classroom position. She's taught grades three through five over the years, but has enjoyed fourth-grade language arts and social studies the most most. She's also assisted and coached girls basketball along with Coach DeCeault's for a few years after she was first hired. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family. Her husband, Chris, is also a teacher and a coach and has children Claire and Elliott and they're very involved in hobbies and sports. It keeps them all busy. And she says her favorite thing about this job are the supportive students and families, the ability to
012stay creative, and the people that she works with. She has so many great friends and supportive colleagues. And I'd like to read a little bit about what some of those supportive colleagues say about you. This first teacher says, "I've been lucky enough to work with Liz Cadwallader, not only as a co-worker, but a co-teacher. She makes an incredible impact on students each and every day. Her dedication, patience, and genuine care create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated to learn. Liz has a natural ability to connect with students. Whether working one-on-one or with a large group, she takes the time to truly listen, understand individual needs, and adapt her approach to ensure every student can succeed. Her encouragement builds confidence, and her calm, positive attitude helps students navigate challenges both academically
013and personally. What stands out most is Liz goes above and beyond to provide extra support, challenge students, and celebrate student progress. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work beside her and have learned so much from my years co-teaching in her classroom. She not only makes her students better, but she has made me a better teacher. We are truly lucky to have her on our fourth-grade team." And that's from Megan Bowser. And Megan Bowser's intervention specialist. The next teacher as a fellow ELA teacher, I've always looked up to her as soon as I began working with her when our buildings merged. She is so knowledgeable in both ELA, social studies, and anything education in general. When I have a question about a lesson or standard, I usually go to her. She is
014also just so sweet and down-to-earth, and I know she treats her students like she treats her colleagues and truly cares about people's personal lives. I think of her as our ELA leader. When we collaborate as a team, she seems to lead by saying what she plans to do in her classroom that week and shares great ideas with everyone. She is also very creative. Creative. She is overall a great educator and a great human. And that's from Emily Wells, a fellow fourth-grade ELA teacher. One more I have here is that she says that Liz Cadman is an outstanding colleague who truly goes the extra mile for both students and staff. No matter how full her schedule is, she always makes time to offer thoughtful advice and helpful guidance. Her knowledge and experience make her an incredible
015resource, and she is always willing to share what she knows to support those around her. She does an amazing job meeting the needs of all learners. Liz challenges high-achieving students while also providing patience, encouragement, and practical strategies for those who may be struggling. She has a special ability to meet students where they are and help them feel confident, supported, and capable. Liz is also a wonderful collaborator. She works closely with colleagues who co-plan, share ideas and resources, and problem-solve together. She approaches every situation with professionalism and positivity, which makes working with her both predictive productive and enjoyable. Her teamwork strengthens our entire team. Our school school community is better because of Liz's dedication, compassion, and constant support. She truly represents what it means to be supportive, knowledgeable, and an inspiring colleague. That's from Becky Thrasher,
016another intervention specialist. And finally, from me, a lot has been said I don't know if I can say much more, but [laughter] uh I chose Liz for some of the several reasons that were mentioned above. First of all, she's an amazing teacher who gets the most out of her students. She is a leader among our fourth grade staff and the school. Other teachers look to her for her leadership. And finally, she is a teacher I can count on to be level-headed and provide me with sound advice. Congratulations to you, Liz Cadman. You are most deserving of the title of honored educator. >> THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> MRS. CADMAN, IT IS AN HONOR TO honor you tonight. If you want to watch somebody who could teach kids of all abilities and do it effortlessly, go
017to Liz's room. She has kids on all different levels going, and she is really calm, as they have said. So, she is a master teacher. Um I have no other words to say that than that. I usually have more, but I'm going to stop. [laughter] Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Maney. I appreciate it. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you so much. Thank you. >> You want your family to come up for a picture? >> Sure. >> Come on up, guys. >> [laughter] >> Yeah, yeah. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> [applause] >> ABSOLUTELY, YOU TOO. YES. GOOD. THANK YOU, EVERYBODY. Just a few updates. Our water situation, I'd to thank the village of Beloit. We've been working together on grants. Uh the first one is already off. As you know, we've talked some
018about a water tower, but for the price of a water tower, we can improve the community by putting better lines down the street with booster stations. So, we have completed one grant with uh Congressman Rohly's office. Second grant is due to uh Senator Husted's office on Wednesday. That'll be sent out tomorrow night. So, we are working to secure money to do a project in collaboration with the village of Beloit, our school system, to improve the fire suppression at our building, but hopefully improve our whole community. Uh very soon, we'll begin contract negotiations. Uh and that our teachers' contract is up. We begin that next week. And very soon, we'll introduce you to some of the new positions. We have about five or six new positions, not new to the district, but from retirements that we'll
019be hiring for, and we'll introduce those people shortly. Thank you. Recognitions. Uh high school student of the month, that list is attached. The alt students of the month is Gavin Gregory and Chloe Steiner. Would like to thank Jared Baker and Krista Clay, National Honor Society, for hosting a blood drive. It's uh deeply needed at this time. Like to thank our varsity girls' basketball team and coaching staff, EPC champs, regional runner-ups. Also, coach DeShields for getting his 400th win. Boys basketball team, district runner-up. Grace Bates and Bo Nesbit, state wrestling qualifiers. Bo Nesbit, state runners-up. Gavin Hang and Abigail Janosik, state wrestling alternates. And we had our most dual meet wins ever this year for our wrestling team. A heck of a winner. Our middle school math teams, for their success at the Canfield competition with
020schools from across the area. Special congratulations to Fletcher Mumma for fourth place, Case Cushman second place, Jason Coffee third place, and Cameron Dickens third place. And I'd also like to honor Kathy Menegay, who received recognition for the Mahoning Valley Teacher of the Year. She was West Branch representative at a dinner at the Eastwood Event Center. We'd like to congratulate Kathy and her preschool program for her excellence. Those are our recognitions for this month. >> Okay. Moving on, F treasure consent items. >> We usually do all of the consent items together. >> Do you want to do them together? Okay. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent and the treasurer, we're going to approve the following items by consent action. >> We need a motion. >> I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> Treasurer,
021call the roll. >> All right, Mrs. Helm. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shafer. >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields. >> Yeah. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Carries. >> [snorts] >> Mr. Slighter, will you introduce your new teacher? >> Sure. >> Come up here with me. >> Yeah. >> Just go right here. I want to introduce Andrew McCarty. He's going to be our new third grade teacher. He comes to us currently at Beaver Local Schools. Has got um four or five years experience teaching third grade and we are really excited to have him here. We We had several interviews with a I had a teaching team with me and they're all very excited to be able to hire Andrew. So, we're glad to have you here. Welcome aboard. >> [applause] >>
022Will our new custodians come forward? >> [clears throat] [laughter] >> New and old. Come on up everybody. Introduce you to the board. We've been working short-handed in custodial for the last couple of months. We're finally going to be at full strength. Um we've been interviewing a lot. So, I'd like to introduce you to our new custodians. The furthest away, Mr. Jerry Brain, who's done everything here from teacher to custodian to head of maintenance to everything. Jerry's coming back to help. We appreciate that. All three of these people are West Branch graduates. Mr. Chuck Schultheis. Chuck has been living out in Washington state for many years. He's back. He's also a minister. So, feel very good on that end. Say good one for all of us, Chuck. >> [laughter] >> And on the other end, Nicole
023Jones comes to us West Branch United Kingdom back to West Branch and she has been a police officer. So, we're kind of covered on both ends of the spectrum. >> [laughter] >> All three of these will be starting very soon and next month we will have about four three or four more teachers to hire for job openings that we have, but these are new custodians. So, give them a warm welcome. >> [applause] [applause] >> H, we are at old business and in old business we recommend the approval to revise Roger Sharp's retirement date from June 2026 to May 29th of 2026. So, I'll second. Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Kennedy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Motion
024carries. >> Okay. I new business. Um the NEOLA policy, recommend the board adopt the following NEOLA policy first reading. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kennedy? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Um >> No, number two. >> Number two. >> Establish committees? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Number two, establish committees. The superintendent recommends the following board committees. Policy committee, Nikki Kanagy, Tonya Dean. Communication committee, Debbie Helman, Peggy Schaber. Recommend approval to accept The superintendent recommends the following board committees. Okay. Okay. I'll second. Treasurer, call roll. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Helman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs.
025Schaber? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay, we're number three, memorandum of understanding for the math club supplemental. Recommend approval to accept a memorandum of understanding between the West Branch Local School District Board of Education and the West Branch Education Association to establish a supplemental for middle school math club. I'll make a motion. I'll second. Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Helman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Schaber? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay, number four, memorandum of understanding, um, the new category job classification. Recommend approval to accept a memorandum of understanding between the West Branch Local School District Board of Education and the West Branch Classified Employees Association to establish a new job category classification for maintenance staff. I'll make
026a motion. >> I'll second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Deshields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bean? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Um number five, maintenance technician job description. Recommend approval to accept the job description for the maintenance technician. >> So moved. >> I'll second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bean? >> Yes. Yes. [clears throat] >> Mrs. Deshields? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> And number six, use of field. Recommend approval for Neo Baseball, Josh Scott, to utilize the junior varsity softball field for the summer of 2026 in the coordination of the athletic director. Make a motion. >> Second. >> Treasurer, call
027the roll. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Deshields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bean? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Number seven, girls flag football volunteer. Recommend approval for Michael Kanagy to be a volunteer girls flag football coach. I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Bean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Deshields? >> I abstain. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> I abstain. >> Motion carries. >> Okay, number eight, supplemental girls varsity soccer coach. Recommend approval to grant a supplemental to Zachary Dean as the girls varsity soccer coach for the 2026-2027 school year. >> So moved. >> I'll second. >> Go ahead. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes.
028>> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> I abstain. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Number nine, Success by Six. Recommend the approval of the United Way's Success by Six program for incoming kindergarten students. The program will have five units and be paid $4,500 per unit. The program will run Monday through Thursday the weeks of August 3rd and 10th through 10th, and the program will run from 8:00 to 2:00. Lunch will be included. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Number 10, the Summer Breeze program. Recommend the approval for the
029Summer Breeze program for first and second grade students for the summer of 2026. >> So moved. >> I'll second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Number 11, the STEAM camp. Recommend approval to host a summer STEAM program at West Branch Middle School the week of August 3rd, 2026. >> I'll make a motion. >> This thing is acting up, sorry. >> Yeah, mine too. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> I didn't get the any of the I didn't get the motions or anything. Sorry. >> Oh, I made the motion and >> I seconded. >> Thank you. >> It's just pine. >> Okay. Mrs. Helm? >> Okay. Yes. >>
030Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay, number 12 is the Sedgwick contract recommendation and an approval to enter into an agreement with the Sedgwick or for workers comp and unemployment group rated program at $3,115 for the 2027 calendar calendar year. I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> I have to look up to see who made the >> Okay, number 13. Healthcare Process Consulting Contract HPC. Recommend approval of continuing Medicaid School Program Service Agreement with Healthcare Process Consulting HPC [clears throat] for the 26-27, 27-28, and 28-29 school year at
031a cost of one $11,000 per year. Make a motion. >> Second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. DeShields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kanagy? >> Yes. >> I think this one Mrs. Helm, you seconded. >> Yes. >> Wow. You know, I'm messed up right now. And Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. I'm At this time, I'd like to make a motion to go into executive session for the purpose of two employee employment of a public official and also to prepare for negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. Um when we return action will be taken. >> I'll make a motion. >> I'll second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Okay. Mr. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mr. Gishit? >> Yes. >> Mr.
032Dean? >> Yes. >> Mr. Allen? >> Yes. >> Mr. Knight? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carries? We'll go across to the conference >> Mhm. >> You know, I'm excited to >> I'm getting older. It's cold out here. Was it cold back there? >> I want to make a motion to come out of executive session. >> Second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kennedy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. Can you say Mrs. Rockwell just once and I'll go, "Okay." >> [laughter] >> Sure you want this? >> I don't know. I don't know what it is we're talking about. Oh, no. Okay, at this time we'd like to with number 14, which is recommend approval to accept the resignation of
033Jeff Novak as director of special services effective August 1st, 2026. And I will make a motion. >> Second. >> Treasurer, call the roll. >> Mrs. Helm? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Dean? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shields? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kennedy? >> Yes. And at this time I would like to make a motion to go back into executive session to prepare for negotiations or bargaining sessions in public with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment. >> I'll second. >> Was Mrs. Helm first? >> Okay. Treasurer, call the roll. >> [clears throat] >> No action will be taken when we come out of executive session. >> come back and give you some insight. Don't you want it? I'm going home, folks. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Helm?
034>> Mrs. Kennedy? Yes. >> Mrs. Shaver? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Kennedy? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Shields? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, everybody. >> Don't say anything bad about me. >> We'll be right back. >> No. >> Never, never. >> I don't know. >> My coach called. >> Thank you, guys. >> Thank you.