Celina Board of Education Hears Construction Updates, Approves Personnel Items

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The Celina City Schools Board of Education received extensive updates Monday night on the district’s ongoing construction projects, financial matters and staffing changes during its May meeting.

Board members heard a detailed facilities report highlighting continued progress on the new high school and elementary projects. Officials said work continues on gymnasium equipment, classroom finishes, parking lots, sidewalks and landscaping. The district also reported the installation of handicap-accessible clinic doors at the elementary school and said monument signs are scheduled to be installed soon.

Board members praised the appearance of the new facilities, particularly the cafeteria area and gymnasium spaces.

Discussion also centered around Sunday’s graduation ceremony. Officials defended the current field layout after some social media criticism, explaining the arrangement was originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for spacing and improved visibility for families.

Board President Adam Schleucher called the ceremony a success and thanked staff members for their work organizing the event.

The board also recognized the middle school’s Mini Relay for Life fundraiser, which reportedly raised about $20,000 this year. Board member Jon Clouse praised students and staff for their efforts and noted the event has generated roughly $400,000 over the past 25 years.

During public participation, Theresa Howick questioned district figures related to Local Facilities Initiative funds and building project finances. Board Vice President Mark Huelsman responded that some of the figures he previously presented were informal estimates and said the district is working with the state to verify final numbers.

Treasurer Michelle Mawer reported the district’s April cash reconciliation showed a balance of more than $67.8 million, including roughly $34.6 million designated for the building project.

The board approved multiple personnel items presented by Superintendent Brooke Gessler, including staffing contracts, summer workers, stipends and transition days for incoming employees.

Board members also approved financial reallocations tied to a remodeling grant project involving Garmann Miller services.

Additional approvals included Head Start agreements, overnight student travel requests and support for transition days for newly hired district administrators.