Marion Local School Board Approves Personnel, Student Programs and Donations

MARIA STEIN — The Marion Local Board of Education approved several personnel matters, student programs and donations during its meeting Monday evening.

Superintendent Mike Pohlman reported that the board accepted the resignation of Jenny Merkel as an instructional aide and approved Kelli Homan as a tutor. The board also hired Christopher Berkey as a substitute teacher, approved the district’s spring sports coaches and added classified substitutes.

Chloe Ronnebaum and Abby Moorman were approved as volunteers with the girls basketball program. The board also adopted a substitute salary schedule for hourly employees.

In other action, members approved the district’s gifted-education identification plan and a contract with the Montgomery County Educational Service Center for hearing and audiology services.

The board authorized an October field trip for agricultural science students attending the National FFA Convention.

Several donations were accepted, including $500 from the Marion Open for the boys and girls golf camp fund, $1,000 from Modern Mothers of Marion and $500 from the Marion Local Parent Teacher Organization for the district’s Hope Squad.

Technology and EMIS Coordinator Michelle Mescher reported that the district has 996 Chromebooks and 141 active Google Classrooms.

High School Principal Tim Goodwin said 84 students are earning college credit at Marion Local this fall through pre-calculus, statistics and English courses.

Elementary Principal Kelli Thobe reported that the school participated in Safe Schools Week from September 8 through 11. She also announced that rehearsals have started for the fifth- and sixth-grade production of “The Day the Internet Died,” which includes a cast of 90 students.

Treasurer Ryan Goldschmidt reported that Marion Local received more than $35,000 in casino-tax revenue at the end of August.

Pohlman also said subcontractors continue to complete punch-list work associated with the district’s new facility project.

Marion Local’s next regular board meeting is scheduled for October 12 at 7 p.m.