Yoder re-elected board president; BOE discusses possible 2026 levy
The Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education held its first meeting of 2026 Monday evening in the Sloan Distance Learning Center at Bellefontaine High School, beginning with the board’s annual organizational meeting.
Colin Yoder was re-elected as board president, and Mark Fissel was re-elected as board vice president. Board members Bryn Daring-Stewart and Rick Reed were sworn in by Treasurer Josh Wasson.
The board approved its meeting schedule for 2026, with regular meetings set for Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 16, July 21, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14. All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the Sloan Distance Learning Center.
WPKO Radio was designated as the district’s official media outlet. Yoder was appointed as the district’s delegate to the Ohio School Boards Association for 2026, with Fissel serving as the alternate.
Following the organizational meeting, the board convened its regular monthly session, during which members held an in-depth discussion regarding the potential need for a levy in 2026.
Treasurer Wasson outlined several financial pressures facing the district, noting that recent changes to Ohio tax law are creating challenges for public schools statewide. He explained that property tax reform measures passed by the Ohio General Assembly are designed to slow the growth of property taxes, providing relief to homeowners but limiting how quickly school funding can increase.
Wasson also said the state did not fully update or fund the Fair School Funding Plan in the most recent biennial budget, leaving districts responsible for a greater share of education costs at the local level.
“School districts continue to face rising expenses for staff, transportation, utilities, special education services, and safety requirements,” Wasson said. “However, the combination of limited property tax growth and incomplete state funding means school revenues are not keeping pace with these unavoidable costs.”
He added that ongoing discussion at the state level about eliminating property taxes altogether—without a clear replacement funding plan—creates additional uncertainty for long-term financial planning.
“In this environment, stable and predictable funding is critical,” Wasson said. “The district must consider options that provide funding sources that grow with the local economy, are not tied to property values, and help protect students and programs from cuts caused by state-level funding decisions. The district’s focus remains on maintaining current programs, staffing, and services—not expansion.”
The board will continue discussing levy options throughout the year, with indications that a levy could appear on the November ballot.
Board-provided talking points share the district’s concern about the changes to the state’s property tax laws.
Board members also discussed long-term facility planning. Two firms are being considered to make detailed presentations to the board later this year.
In other business, the board approved several personnel items. Added to the professional substitute teacher list were Lauren Barhorst, Claire Grandstaff, Tyra-Lee Large, Madisyn Norris and Jack Varner. Lauren Henry and Teresa Vogel were hired as substitute educational aides, and Emily Baldeh was approved as an athletic worker. Lisa Stewart resigned from her position as a food service worker.
The board approved its monthly financial reports and adopted a resolution to administer the third-grade English Language Arts assessment in a paper-and-pencil format during the 2026–27 school year.
The board also appointed Kaileigh Vermillion to the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District Board, with a term running through 2027.
The next Bellefontaine Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sloan Distance Learning Center at Bellefontaine High School.
