MINGO JUNCTION — Indian Creek Local School District is eyeing the renewal of a 7.9-mill operational levy this fall to continue supporting the educational needs of its students.

Officials met at Indian Creek Middle School in Mingo Junction on June 26, where they approved a resolution to place the levy on the Nov. 3 ballot. Superintendent T.C. Chappelear said the measure will not mean further taxes for residents.

“It’s a levy that has been around since the mid-1990s and it’s important for the district,” he said. “Over the years, it has allowed us to have an adequate staff to provide services for the students of the district. It’s a renewal and there are no new taxes.”

District Treasurer Adam Lewis said the levy would generate about $629,795 annually during the next five years and primarily involves public utilities and commercial properties.

“It does not affect homeowners’ taxes, whether it passes or not,” he added.

The board also discussed plans to add new fencing and gates at Kettlewell Memorial Stadium for security purposes. Assistant Superintendent John Belt said the walkthrough gate near the concession stand will be replaced this summer with a gate featuring a punch code; however, walkers who utilize the track may obtain access through the school board office at Indian Creek High School.

“Community members who walk on the track can register at the board office and receive a punch code to have access to the track,” Belt commented. “The board had concerns about securing the facility for the good of the public. We understand that we have had community walkers utilize the track for the past 35 years and we have no intention to deny them access.”

Belt noted that the company is also completing a section of perimeter fence work at the stadium and the bleachers. The project is being completed by Fences Unlimited of Steubenville and should be ready for the start of the new school year. Meanwhile, he noted that parking lot work will be completed over the summer break.

Among other matters:

• The board approved the rehiring of James “Louie” Retton as ICHS principal and accepted the resignation of Hills Elementary School teacher Amy Rusnak;

• Leaders held a brief records commission meeting to review the records policy and discuss retention. Lewis said there were no significant changes and officials approved the records;

• Officials said state lawmakers approved a version of the budget bill which would go before Gov. Mike DeWine, but there are issues that could challenge school districts. Chappelear also said a judge found in favor of three summary judgments submitted by the Coalition for Equity and Adequacy indicating that the EdChoice private school voucher program was unconstitutional and also put a stay on the program as it continues through the appeals process;

• Chappelear reported that summer programs were occurring at ICHS and Cross Creek Elementary while the first theater camp was set for July 7-11 at the high school;

• District Food Service Director Nicole Marshall said meals were being provided for the summer school programs and Sycamore Center’s activity while she was obtaining quotes for a new serving bar at Hills Elementary. Nutrition Inc., officials were reviewing new menu programs for the elementary and secondary schools;

• The board accepted final appropriations for all funds for Fiscal Year 2025 and temporary appropriations for FY’26;

• Belt reported that numbers for the free and reduced meals program improved and the district will participate in the program again this year;

• Board member Dan Bove recognized school sports and athletes, namely the ICHS baseball team for finishing with a 22-7 record and wining its second consecutive district championship and heading to the regional finals; players Sal Barcalow, Ty Householder and Sylus Hyde earning OVAC first-team honors; Hunter Rusnak named to OVAC second team; Ty Householder also named 4A OVAC Player of the Year and All-Ohio First-Team with Barcalow and Hyde making second team; softball ending at 9-14 and JV baseball holding an 18-2 record; ICHS track member Dalana Bove winning the 400-meter race in the district championship, marking the first district title in eight years; five track events making it to the regional finals, including Trinity Greene, who was fourth in the 100 and seventh in the 200 dashes; Gracie Klinesmith, who earned fourth place in the long jump; Bove, who was seventh in the 400; Sofia Randazzo, Bove, Green and Klinesmith placing seventh in the girls’ 4×200 race; and Greene in the 100 and Klinesmith in the long jump, qualifying for the state meet.