Mercer County ESC Board Approves Financial Items, Service Agreements And Personnel Actions

The Mercer County Educational Service Center Governing Board held its regular June meeting Monday, June 15th, at the Mercer County ESC office on East Market Street in Celina.

All five board members were present. The board also recognized Beth Guggenbiller, Family and Community Liaison, as a guest.

The board approved several financial items, including the May 2026 cash reconciliation, cash summary, disbursements list and payment of the PNC Procurement Card statement. Board members also approved final fiscal year 2026 appropriations and initial fiscal year 2027 appropriations at 100 percent of the final fiscal year 2026 appropriations.

Expenditures for the month totaled $781,550, while revenue totaled $673,792.06. The current unencumbered fund balance is $1,405,260.41.

In new business, the board approved a service agreement for the 2026-2027 school year between the Mercer County ESC and Versailles Exempted Village Schools. The board also approved a fiscal year 2027 liability insurance agreement with SORSA for a total premium of $15,655 and approved membership in the Grand Lake Area Safety Council for an annual fee of $100.

The board also approved agreements with the Mercer County Board of Developmental Disabilities, including a memorandum of understanding and a contract for MD School Supports.

Board members adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework Version 2.0 resolution.

The board also approved out-of-state travel for Shelly Vaughn, Kurt Wendel, Karen Rose, Lindsey Schmiesing and Rachel Glass to attend the annual AESA Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida, in December. Expenses are not to exceed $3,000 per attendee.

Several personnel items were also approved. The board approved additional work days for Kiley Weitz, Abby Otting and Michelle Rogers for the 2025-2026 school year.

The board approved the substitute teacher pay rate for the 2026-2027 school year at $115 per day for the first 10 consecutive days and $125 per day after that. The superintendent may approve the higher rate before 10 consecutive days are served.

The board accepted the resignations of Angela Fiely and Piper Andrew in preschool personnel and approved the hiring of Rachel Powell and Rachel Guillozet as special education teachers for the 2026-2027 school year.

Kelsey Harrison was hired as a mental health specialist for the 2026-2027 school year. The board also accepted the resignation of Ashley Eichenauer and approved the hiring of Mackenzie Ripley and Deb Goettemoeller as paraprofessionals.

The board also approved a supplemental contract for Elizabeth Utz as District Leader for fiscal year 2027 and approved up to three additional summer work days for Jessica Wenning.

The next regular Mercer County ESC Governing Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13th, at 7 PM at the Mercer County Educational Service Center Boardroom in Celina.