In a busy January Board of Education meeting this week, Indian Lake Board members got an update on the district’s special education services, considered the calendar for next school year and appointed a board member to fill a vacant position.
Board members heard from District Director of Special Education Krystal Loy with an update on the services provided. She told the board that 272 students or 20 percent of the Indian Lake student population is served by special education services, which is an increase from recent years.
Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood recapped her report.
“I just can’t say enough about the effort that our team puts forth. We have such an exceptional support staff who really care for our kids. It’s gratifying to get to share that with the board.
“We have families who seek to come to Indian Lake just because they know that our special education program is so strong.”
The board also appointed longtime board member Scott Staley to fill the vacant position on the board.
Staley’s petition to run again for his seat in November was rejected by the Logan County board of Elections for a slight error. Several other interested community members expressed interest in the seat, as well.
Those applicants were invited to join Dr. Underwood’s District Advisory Council that meets a few times a year to help guide district plans.
Members also approved Staley’s appointment to the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center for a three-year term of office, commencing on Jan. 22, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2026.
Board members considered the 2024-25 Indian Lake Schools calendar that was chosen by staff members and presented by Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood. The first day of school would be Aug. 21.
After a period of public comment, board members will vote on the calendar at next month’s meeting.
Board members each received some small gifts sponsored by the Indian Lake Athletic Department in honor of January as Ohio School Board Appreciation Month.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the following donations: $300 Ice Shaving Machine from the Reed Family to the Indian Lake Schools PBIS Program, the anonymous donation of $1,000 to the Food Service Program for student lunches, $100 from the Women of the Moose to the Food Service Program for student lunches,
• accepted two Logan County Electric Cooperative Energizing Education (LCECEE) grants that total $665.87, and establish those grant accounts.
• extended a supplemental contract to: Isaac Bennett – HS Assistant Track Coach; category 5, 1 yr. exp.
• adopted the resolution in accordance with Senate Bill 216 that amends Ohio Revised Code Section permitting the district to administer the third-grade English Language Arts assessments in paper format for the 2024-25 school year.
• retro-actively approved the overnight cheerleading trip to Canton on Jan. 20-21 to compete in a competition; due to the timing of the Board meeting, the superintendent authorized the trip on short notice; and
• approved the resolution authorizing 2023-2024 membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for grades 9-12 and 7-8.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the board office.
Indian Lake Treasurer Coleen Reprogle, right, administers the oath of office to Board Member Scott Staley. (Indian Lake SCHOOLS PHOTO)