Celina Board Approves Financial Items, Honors Retiring Teachers, Schedules August Work Session

The Celina City Schools Board of Education approved a series of financial, personnel and policy items during its regular meeting Monday night at Tri Star Career Compact. Board President Adam Schleucher presided over the meeting, with Vice President Mark Huelsman and members Carl Huber, Julie Sommer and Jon Clouse all in attendance.

Facilities Director Phil Metz reported continued progress on the district's new school construction project. He said the first phase of asbestos abatement has been completed with a zero-particle clearance report, the Gateway move into the new building has been finished, and work continues on sidewalks, parking lots, athletic facilities and interior finishes. Metz also said the new gymnasium graphic has been installed and described it as "massive," while noting the gym floor is expected to be installed in September or October.

Treasurer Michelle Mawer reported June revenues of just over $2.1 million and expenditures of nearly $7.7 million. She said the district ended June with a cash balance of $56.9 million, including more than $28.3 million reserved for the ongoing building project. Mawer also reported the district finished Fiscal Year 2026 with revenues exceeding expenditures by more than $1.23 million, ending the year with a cash balance of nearly $15 million.

The board also accepted donations of $1,000 from the Celina American Legion for the Tri Star Law and Public Safety Program and $5,000 from Rod and Barb Carpenter for the district's special education department. Members also approved the sale of the 2025-26 Tri Star House property on Shinn Drive for $498,000.

Superintendent Brooke Gessler recognized two longtime middle school teachers who will retire in October after each completing 32 years with the district. Tammy Cisco, a longtime math teacher, and Lora Darras, who taught English language arts and later health, will remain with the district through October to earn full retirement benefits while assisting with technology, middle school programs and the transition into the new building.

The board approved a 3 percent salary increase for the executive secretary compensation group, stipends for special education teachers participating in new teacher training, and a stipend for Tri Star instructor Jerry Conan, who accompanied students to the National SkillsUSA competition in Georgia.

Gessler also announced the district will hold a special work session at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to review funding for remaining construction projects, building renovations and other capital improvements. Representatives from Peterson Construction and the Bulldog Athletic Capital Campaign are expected to participate.

The board approved its annual online learning feasibility statement, noting Celina Schools cannot count remote learning days in place of calamity days because the district is not one-to-one with student devices and cannot guarantee internet access for every student. Members also approved updated board policies, the monthly Head Start report and a memorandum of understanding with the University of Toledo to help Career Tech teachers obtain licensure through grant funding. The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session.