St. Marys Schools Board Recap: Coach of the Year Honor, Writing Initiative Recognition, and Key Personnel Moves

St. Marys City Schools Superintendent Bill Ruane recapped the St. Marys City School District Board of Education meeting held February 11, 2026, highlighting student achievements, staff recognition, program updates, and several board approvals.

Staff recognitions

The board approved resolutions of commendation recognizing two West Intermediate School teachers.

Kaylee Yoder was honored after being selected as the 2025 National Coach of the Year by the EAA Institute. The award recognizes coaches who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a transformational impact through sport. Yoder teaches third grade and coaches the St. Marys varsity girls volleyball program.

Kylie Rammel was recognized as a Life Changer of the Year nominee through the National Life Group Foundation. The annual program honors K through 12 educators and school employees nationwide who make a significant difference for students through excellence, positive influence, and leadership. Rammel is a third grade intervention specialist at West Intermediate.

Student performance and district presentations

The board heard a performance by the district percussion ensemble, which recently performed at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in Columbus after being selected through a video audition.

The board also heard a presentation from St. Marys City Schools employees Laura Caning and Kerry Goodwin regarding a grant connected to the University of Cincinnati’s Systems Development and Improvement Center. Ruane said the center has recognized the district’s implementation of the Writing Revolution and identified St. Marys as a model district. The partnership will continue to support and scale implementation of the Haakman Method across schools. Ruane noted the focus is on intentionally teaching writing across the curriculum with common expectations and practices, and said the district has already seen improvements in writing related data.

Personnel highlights

Among personnel items, Ruane highlighted the resignation and retirement of Sue Sherman, the primary principal at East Elementary. The board also approved Laura Caning as the new East principal. Ruane said Caning has served the district for more than two decades, including the last several years as an IAT or student services coordinator.

The board also approved Josh Slusher as the new boys soccer coach and approved Lily Ankerman as the girls head soccer coach.

Additional approvals and district business

Other items approved by the board included:

• Van bus driver physicals and drug testing through Joint Township District Memorial Hospital

• Overnight trips

• Ohio High School Athletic Association membership for the 2026–27 school year

• Donations from area businesses, individuals, and families

• A Tri Star referral to add a law and public safety program starting in the 2026–27 school year, described as a full day program focused on law enforcement and related social service supports

• Probation services through a contract tied to the juvenile court, supporting truancy and probation services at the schools

• Early graduations for Memorial High School seniors Tommy Bazin and Jeremiah Cisco

• ESC service agreements with Montgomery ESC

• Capital improvements including technology funding to help replace classroom equipment, and reserve funding set aside for long term stadium turf and track upkeep

Five year forecast and safety update

Treasurer Andy Wilker presented the district’s five year forecast and discussed the need for conversations with local officials about potential property tax changes and how state funding could impact school budgets.

Following administrative reports and discussion, the board went into executive session for safety. After returning, the board approved an update to the district safety plan and adjourned the meeting.