Edison school board organizes, discusses curriculum
RICHMOND — The Edison Local Board of Education organized for 2025 and returned two leaders to their seats for the next year.
Aaron Richardson and Ron Smyth were re-elected to their posts as board president and vice president, respectively, during an organizational session on Jan. 8 at the Edison High School Fieldhouse, where officials approved operational policies for the district. The regular session immediately followed and Assistant Superintendent Kireta said a review was underway of the district’s math curriculum and she was speaking to teachers to obtain their thoughts.
“We need to look ahead to update our math. We have made progress with scores,” she said. “If teachers are happy (with personal gains), we’ll stick with that. If the teachers want to explore other options, we’ll look at it.”
Kireta added that there were different philosophies involved with the curriculum and the teachers were the ones who had to use the program. She hoped to gain some insight to determine the best option.
Among other matters, the board:
• Approved Kelsey Vodvarka as the district’s board-certified behavior analyst with a revision to the administrative salary and fringe benefit agreement to accommodate her position;
• Hired Brenda Kmatz as a part-time cook at EHS effective Jan. 8 and approved Valerie Lude, Casey Mozingo and Stevie Roberts on the certified substitutes list;
• Heard an update on costs for new cafeteria tables at the high school and Superintendent Bill Beattie said he received pricing from Martin Seating at a cost of $36,451. He added that it included a $1,200 cost difference and 76 extra seats, but he planned to speak with the principal and have more information at the February meeting;
• Approved the treasurer’s report, which included a December cash summary of $23,315,383.91 with $2,164,093.05 in expenditures. Donations were accepted from Hilscher-Clarke for $500 for student needs; William and Linda Truby for $100 to the Ron Smyth Basketball Scholarship Fund; Linda DeSimone for $100 to John Gregg Elementary’s music department; and the Bergholz Community Foundation for $5,627 to John Gregg for hoodies;
• Named Smyth as delegate for the Ohio School Boards Association’s annual conference with Anna Ault as alternate, while Smyth was designated to serve as legislative liaison;
• Was lauded by Beattie for School Board Appreciation Month for January;
• Set a planning session for 6 p.m. Jan. 30 in the high school fieldhouse for developing leadership and other items;
• Agreed to continue holding meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. with exceptions for June and September. Officials agreed to move meetings to June 26 and Sept. 17 with another potential change for April’s session. The next regular meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 20 at Stanton Elementary.