Paige Wallace was elected president and Matt Jennings vice president of the Ridgemont Board of Education during the board’s recent 2022 organizational session.
Treasurer Melissa Pollom administered the oaths of office to the president and vice president, along with administering oaths of office to Jennings, Wallace and new member Kate Wingfield for their new terms on the board.
Member Charlie McCullough also was elected treasurer pro tempore.
During the regular board meeting that followed, Superintendent Sally Henrick said Ridgemont was joining more than 700 school districts throughout Ohio to celebrate School Board Recognition Month. She recognized the current members, also including Eric Hill, and recently retired member Corey Ledley for his 12 year of service.
“Our school board members are citizen-servants who shoulder critical responsibilities and often make difficult choices for our district,” she said. “Their focus is always on the future of the children of our district and celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to say thank you for all they do.
“It’s more important than ever that communities support public education so that today’s students are prepared to be productive citizens and the leaders of tomorrow. On behalf of the Ridgemont staff, students, and community, thank you to these board members.”
The superintendent and board also extended congratulations to senior Landon Newland for breaking the all-time leading scorer record in Ridgemont basketball history of 1,579 points in the team’s win against Riverdale. Landon had 34 points that game and will continue to set a higher record of his own.
Landon’s senior year includes attending Marion Technical College to study nursing. He is in the process of receiving his STNA certification and “he is a caregiver; congratulations on being an outstanding student-athlete in the classroom and on the court,” Henrick said.
“Also, a shout out to the Boys Basketball team and coaches as they continue to work together as a team and have an outstanding season.”
In operational matters, the board approved the Standard Form of Agreements between Ridgemont and SHP for the preschool renovation, playground improvements and track improvements.
The College Credit Plus agreement with Clark State was approved for the 2022-23 school year.
The board also approved an agreement to work in coordination with the Hardin County Emergency Management Agency in sharing district resources, including district vehicles and buses, in the event of a county emergency.
In other action, the board:
• approved Sara McKee as a volunteer assistant softball coach;
• approved standing authorizations for the superintendent and treasurerr, which allow the business of the school district to be carried out over the course of the year, such as the authorization to participate in federal, state and local grants, to accept donations on behalf of the Board, and to pay bills within the limits of the appropriations;
• approved Ohio School Board legal assistance and membership dues;
• expressed appreciation for the following donations to the district: Joan White, Jennifer Russell and anonymous donor who donated to the Secret Santa store; and Jennifer and Scott Russell for the donation of a piano to the music department; and
• approved the Bellefontaine Examiner and the Kenton Times as official newspapers of the district.
The next Board meeting is 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24, in the Math Room 304.
Members also set their other monthly meetings for 2022 to take place at 4:30 p.m. in the school conference room on the following dates: March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 27, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15,