Board Report

At the outset of Monday's board meeting, the Marion City Board President led a moment of silence to honor the cherished memories of Dr. Stephen Lee Stewart, a beloved former Superintendent; Edgar Lee Roseberry, a respected former principal at Taft Elementary School; and Jason Williams, a valued Marion community member and alum of Marion City Schools. This heartfelt gesture recognized their profound contributions and the indelible marks they've left on our hearts and community, as we reflected on their significant impacts and dedicated service.

The Superintendent, alongside the Board of Education, honored Dylan Wilson, a standout student concurrently dually enrolled at Tri-Rivers and Harding High School. Dylan's nomination for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and Technical Education Program stands as a clear recognition of his diligence and commitment to excellence. In a ceremonial gesture, Dylan was awarded a certificate, celebrating his significant achievement.

Upon receiving the certificate, Dylan took the opportunity to express his appreciation, underscoring the instrumental role of committed educators and the importance of practical learning opportunities in shaping his academic success and growth.

During the Assistant Superintendent’s Report, Marcia Pitts proudly announced that Marion City Schools has been awarded a significant grant of $506,114.77 by Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted, through the Career Technical Education Equipment Grant Program. This substantial funding contributes to Ohio's broader $67.7 million initiative aimed at bolstering career and technical education across the state. Specifically, the grant will support advancements in critical areas such as engineering and robotics, directly benefiting students by enhancing their educational experiences and opportunities in these fields.

Jolene Carter, Marion City Schools Treasurer, reported an increase in February's expenditures, attributed to a rise in non-utility property services ($114,988), dues and fees ($47,938), and insurance costs ($44,034). Despite this uptick, which brings the year-to-date spending $1.6 million higher than the same period last year, projections indicate that the district remains on track to conclude the fiscal year within the forecasted budget. This careful financial management reflects the district's commitment to efficiently utilizing resources while addressing necessary expenses.