The Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education received an in-depth look Monday, Feb. 9, at a classroom behavior leadership program that district officials say is already producing significant, measurable results.
The board met for its monthly meeting in the Bellefontaine High School Sloan Distance Learning Center, where members heard a detailed presentation on the districtwide initiative, which was launched in late August.
Bellefontaine Middle School Assistant Principal Matt Comstock presented data showing a dramatic reduction in major discipline referrals during the 2025–26 school year compared to the same period in 2024–25. Comstock said the early results indicate the program is helping improve student behavior, classroom culture, and overall learning conditions.
Longtime BMS teacher Sandi Chervenak, joined by four other teachers involved in the rollout, spoke about the program’s impact from the classroom perspective.
“This is one of the best things I’ve seen in my 30 years of teaching,” Chervenak told the board. “The relationship building has been great. We’re building accountability in students through real-world lessons.”
Teachers emphasized that the program focuses on leadership, consistency, and clear expectations, helping students understand the connection between behavior and real-life outcomes.
Additional information about the initiative is available at behavioralleadership.com.
Board appreciation, student achievement highlighted
Board Appreciation followed the presentation, with Superintendent Brad Hall thanking board members for their continued service and leadership on behalf of students, staff, and the community.
Bellefontaine High School business teacher Yvette Hunsicker then addressed the board regarding a proposed Junior Achievement trip to Boston. Hunsicker noted that last spring, BHS business students earned the top three spots in the Mad River Region Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge in Urbana. The first-place team advanced to national competition in Atlanta last summer.
The board did not take action on the proposed Boston trip but is expected to consider approval at a future meeting.
Superintendent, treasurer outline mid-year goals
Hall and Treasurer Josh Wasson also reviewed their respective mid-year goals with the board.
Hall said his goals center on three main areas: academics, public relations and culture, and infrastructure. Academic priorities include continued classroom behavior leadership training, implementation of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), and expanded use of i-Ready. MTSS is a proactive, evidence-based framework designed to support students academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally through targeted, data-driven interventions. i-Ready is a K–12 program that uses adaptive assessments and personalized instruction to improve reading and math skills.
Public relations and culture goals include a greater emphasis on highlighting student and staff success stories, while infrastructure goals focus on developing a comprehensive growth plan for the district.
Wasson outlined five goals for the treasurer’s office:
• Maintaining financial stability and adequate cash reserves
• Strengthening communication and public trust in the treasurer’s department
• Improving operational efficiency and accuracy in financial processes
• Strengthening collaboration with the finance committee
• Keeping the board informed on legislation affecting public school finance
In other action, the board accepted the resignation of board member Rick Reed, who was recently hired as superintendent of Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation. Because Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation is a joint district with Bellefontaine City Schools, Reed resigned from the school board to avoid any potential conflict of interest between the two entities.
The board approved monthly financial reports as well as the district’s amended five-year forecast.
Personnel actions
Personnel items included acceptance of resignations from school psychologist Heather Hoppe and kindergarten teacher Samantha Stephens.
The board approved $300 stipends for additional work related to classroom behavior leadership coaching. The stipends will be funded through Title IV federal grant funds and awarded to Abby Boop, Sandi Chervenak, Alicia Dinovo, Eric Fatzinger, Kylie Croston-Hrytzik, Justine Oliver, Susan Stahler, and Heather Wechta.
Added to the professional substitute list were Ashton Carey, Kristy Eilerman, and Beth Powers. Jayden Sims was hired as a home instruction tutor, Valerie Burton as a food service worker, and Camryn Neill as a substitute educational aide.
The board also approved the following individuals as athletic workers: Jon Hayduk, Arianna Hiatt, Tucker Newland, Rick Reed, Ryan Sawmiller, and Zane Woodruff.
Additional approvals
The board approved a resolution authorizing OMNI and TSACG Compliance Services to serve as the district’s third-party administrator for its 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans, including the OASBO 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
Also approved were the 2026–27 preschool handbook and forms, continued membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and a contract with Garmann Miller to complete an independent professional study examining the district’s long-term facility and enrollment needs.
Student recognition, executive session
Hall recognized Bellefontaine High School Seniors of the Month, honoring Max Fissel and Ava Kunze as January recipients and Kaiden Foulk and Kayla Sellars as February recipients. Each student received an achievement pin and a $15 gift card to Ron’s Pizza.
The board later entered executive session to discuss school financing options, including the possibility of a future levy, as well as matters related to board appointments.
The next regular meeting of the Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education is scheduled for March 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Distance Learning Center.
