Indian Lake Schools is saying goodbye to a beloved longtime Laker and bringing on several new employees.
During the board’s regular meeting Monday night, March 17, Indian Lake Board of Education members voted to hire a handful of new teachers to replace several retirees at Indian Lake Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood said there were a total of 36 applicants for the four positions.
“We had an excellent pool of candidates and we are really excited that these four individuals are going to join our Laker family.”
One-year limited teacher contracts for the 2025-26 School Year were extended to: third-grade teachers Delani Harter and Elaine Keller; first-grader teacher Raelyn Parsell; and third/fourth-grade teacher Avery Shirk.
In addition, the board voted to accept the retirement of High School Assistant Principal Dave Coburn at the end of the 2024-25 contract year.
Coburn has 35 years in education and has served as a teacher, coach, and administrator for the district. Underwood said Coburn will be missed.
“Just can’t say enough about the job he has done for this district and the time and effort that he’s put into it. He’s been a mentor, not only to me, but so many others in this district.”
The board also accepted several policy revisions as recommended by NEOLA and accepted a $10,359.73 grant from the Indian Lake Fraternal Order of Eagles from the Charitable/Gaming Donation Fund to support academics and athletics.
In addition, members accepted a $40,000 Attorney General’s Office Program Based SSTG 25 grant and a $6,138.91 Attorney General’s Office Formula Based SSTG 25 grant.
Finally, Dr. Underwood and board members presented certificates of recognition to the district’s three wrestlers who earned State Runner-Up at the recent OHSAA Wrestling Meet. Owen Pummel, Maddie Miller and Christopher Timms were all present to accept their award.
In other personnel matters, the board approved a leave of absence for Jodi Carder, effective for the 2025-26 school year; and a $50 stipend for Mandy Tidwell to attend the Heart Safe Team Summer 2025 Training to be paid from the Performance Based Compensation Fund.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21.
