The Galion Board of Education met on Tuesday, January 7th. The first order of business was to recognize those students and staff members who exemplify the trait Empathy, as described in the district’s Portrait of a Tiger. The following students were nominated by their teachers: 9th grader Christian Kentosh, 6th grader Bentley Price, 5th grader Ruger Helton and 2nd grader Makhielyn Swango. The following staff members were nominated by their administrators and peers: High School Custodian, Christina Parsley; High School Math Teacher, Fred Rinehart; Middle School Science Teacher, Heather Nicholson; Intermediate School Intervention Specialist, Paula Seng; and Primary School Intervention Specialist, Samantha Altstadt. Congratulations to all these individuals for their example of empathy. The Board was pleased to accept two donations from the Arthur J Freese Charitable Trust for the Elementary Music program and for the Galion Preschool in addition to the Galion Booster Club’s donation for student athletic passes during November and December.
Two teacher retirements were accepted. Mr. Jon Stinehour will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Mr. Stinehour, a military veteran and a Galion Alumni, has taught in various roles for the district. His current position is 6th grade Social Studies.
Effective January 5, 2025, Mr. Dave Kirk completes his 43 year career. Mr. Kirk has taught ELA at the High School since 2015. Ms. Erin Strickler was approved as a long term substitute to fill Mr. Kirk’s position for the second semester.
The Board voted Melissa Miller to serve as the Board President and Dennis Long to serve as Vice President. They also granted an extension of Superintendent Dr. Jeff Hartmann’s contract to extend through 2031.
The 2025-26 school year calendar was approved as well as a new civility policy. The civility policy will be published and posted throughout the district. The intention of this policy is to promote mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among district employees, parents, and the general public.
The next board meeting will be held February 18, 2025 at 6:30PM in the Galion Middle School Media Center.
