By Martha Jacob

When members of the Western Brown Local School District Board of Education met at its Nov. 18 regular scheduled meeting, one of the first things to take place was to pass a resolution to put a 1.5 mills Permanent Improvement levy back on the ballot to be voted on March 17, 2020.

The levy failed on Nov. 5 when voters said no to the levy. This levy will actually be a replacement of another building levy that will end in December of 2020. The levy would be for five years. The district has not asked for a levy in 40 years but is now needed for permanent improvements and updates on the schools and could only be used for those purposes.

The resolution has now been submitted to the Brown County Auditors office.

During the meeting the board also heard a presentation from the Western Brown High School FFA instructor, Ryan Rosselot, student leaders Robbie Gray, Kayla Wilson, Hayley Strasinger and Maddie Cox. The students shared their experiences from their trip to Texas the past summer and what they learned.

Kayla Wilson then shared her SAE project (State winner and national contender.)

The board also heard a presentation from the Western Brown Cross Categorical Classroom. Instructor Graham Douglas, special education coordinator Jenny Bohrer and student Chloe Marlow presented what activities the class is currently working on, including their annual “Buckeye” fundraiser and “Night to Shine”.

Also during the meeting the board accepted the resignation of Ron Denniston, a bus driver, effective 11-13-19

The board also hired Krista Tucker as Mt. Orab Middle School 7th grade girls basketball coach and Tina Kidd as Mt. Orab Elementary School Yearbook Advisor.

Additional hirings included:

• Stephanie Williford – science fair advisor

• Alicia Andrews – Art extension advisor

• Emily Maggard – music extension

• William Huddleston – volunteer assistant bowling coach

• Miranda Cook – cafeteria 4 hours per day

• Erikka Rymer – Title I aide

• Terri Albrecht – Title I Aide

• Greg Liming- 7th & 8th grade boys basketball coach

Nathan Hauke and Chad Sexton were approved to attend the OAHPERD State Convention in Sandusky, OH and several other field trips were approved.

At last months meeting the board approved the following items:

• Accepted the resignation of Elizabeth Weatherspoon, sub custodian

• Employ Heather Frye – volunteer assistant softball coach, Kris Swanson as a bus driver, Kasey Cruz as Pre-K sub aide and Sarah Schneller as sub custodian

• Hire Danny Nichols as assistant football coach, Amber Neal Wallace as sub data clerk, Tammy Reese as modified van route driver and Andrew McFarland as Friday school teacher

•Employ Pam Lodwick, Andi Wright and Tim Cook for girls soccer tournament positions