Personnel matters dominated the agenda Monday evening, March 9, when the Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education met at the High School Sloan Distance Learning Center.
The board approved a three-year administrative contract for Sara Core, who will serve as Bellefontaine Intermediate School principal beginning Aug. 1.
Core brings 22 years of experience in education. She began her career at Urbana City Schools, teaching fourth grade for nine years, and later spent eight years at Bellefontaine Intermediate School as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher and literacy coach. For the past five years, she has served as K-6 principal at Upper Scioto Valley.
Board members also accepted several staff resignations, including Physical Education teacher Renee Price and Head Cook Karen Deer, both effective May 28. Additional resignations included Educational Aide Lindsay Aungst, Bus Driver Tracy Cline and Mentor Teacher Cheryl Daniels.
Personnel approvals included the hiring of Susan Stahler as a home instruction tutor and the addition of substitute teachers Sophia Adelsberger, Matthew Dawson, Bridgett Hardy and Claire Jarvis.
The board approved multiple supplemental coaching contracts, including Jennifer Gaver as high school volleyball head coach, Ric Prine as girls golf head coach and Jason Steider as boys golf head coach. Baseball assistant coaching positions were approved for Art Caudill, Grant Gariety, Mike Mosbarger and Tyler Shamblin. Volunteer coaching appointments were approved for Jake Boyd (softball) and Mark Brunswick (baseball).
Board members also recognized March Seniors of the Month Chloe Stolly and Mason Swisher. Each student received an achievement pin and a gift card in recognition of academic performance and leadership.
In other business, the board approved a daily stipend for Transportation Director Tammie Garman, who has agreed to drive a regular bus route amid an ongoing driver shortage while continuing her administrative duties. The stipend of $40 per day will remain in effect through the remainder of the 2025-26 school year or until driver coverage is restored.
The board also reviewed updated district policies, including revisions related to grading, class rank, procurement procedures and the use of artificial intelligence.
Additional action taken by the board included:
• Approval of monthly financial reports
• Adoption of the student electronic devices loan agreement and acceptable use policy for the 2026-27 school year
• Authorization to place public notice regarding the potential re-employment of retiring teacher Renee Price
• Approval of professional and support staff leaves of absence
• Approval of supplemental appropriation measures and related fiscal certifications
• Acceptance of committee reports and updates from Ohio Hi-Point Career Center
The board entered executive session to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken following the closed session.
The next regular meeting of the Bellefontaine Board of Education is scheduled for April 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sloan Distance Learning Center.
