The success of work-based learning (WBL) at Ohio Hi-Point (OHP), specifically the 1×1 program, was a focus of the district’s regular board of education meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Three students shared their experiences while the WBL coordinator, Bob Newland, spoke about the program and fielded questions.
A unique opportunity offered only at the OHP campus, 1×1 allows students to alternate week-by-week between attending school full-time and working full-time for an employer. Though it has its challenges, this year’s 47 participants—all high school seniors—find it a useful opportunity toward future career success.
Allison Koch, career tech supervisor, introduced the presenters, starting with Naaman Stidham, a construction trades student from West Liberty-Salem High School. Stidham admitted he struggles with time management between classes at OHP and his job at Stidham’s Painting and Roofing, but the school provides one-on-one time with teachers, which helps.
Next up, Grace Michels, a cybersecurity student from Upper Scioto Valley High School, spoke about the helpful job experience she’s received working in the OHP IT department.
Last, Kenton High School senior Luke Hensel, who is studying heavy equipment operations and works for Quality Paving, has found the program especially helpful following a car accident.
“Our teachers make an amazing effort to make sure we can get everything done,” Hensel said, “and I don’t have to worry about it during the work week.”
As Newland closed the presentation, he explained to the board that his initial concern was figuring out how a student could miss a week of school and still do well academically. The solution was only requiring these students to take the classes they need to graduate. Since then, the program has been generally successful.
“One of my greatest joys is when I go out to a business, hear someone call my name, and see a kid I placed there five years ago,” Newland admitted.
Brad Richardson, superintendent, then presented the district update, starting with showing the first rendering of the new public safety building. The company is supposed to provide their initial budget estimate next week.
“There are still a lot of unknowns, so a lot of guesses and assumptions, but this will at least give us a ballpark,” Richardson said.
Other district highlights:
• October 2025 Main Campus Students of the Month are Eugenia Mata Trujillo, Health Careers Academy, Marysville High School, and Kaelynn Saxton, graphic media arts, Bellefontaine High School.
• Enrollment is holding steady.
• Friday, Oct. 17, the school had a successful district professional development day along with a district-wide advisory meeting and a shareholders meeting.
• Heavy equipment operations students have started removing the old fence line around the front of the school.
• A stone barrier is being laid on the side of the main drive to prevent cars from driving onto the lawn.
• Finally, Richardson gave the board a heads-up regarding letters circulating around the state related to the property tax issue.
“We want to show support for our partner schools,” Richardson explained. “We’re trying to help inform the public. It’s a hot button topic right now; we’re all funded by property taxes.”
Wednesday’s last presentation came from Kelsey Webb, PR and marketing coordinator, who provided a communications department update. She focused on the importance of print, which she called “the core of what we do.”Her update also covered video projects, social media and the Class Intercom platform, website engagement, the use of ParentSquare as their primary communication system and a breakdown of how the district is utilizing AI.
As for what’s next, Webb said, “I want to get a better pulse on the community. Where are the gaps? Where are we doing well?”
Treasurer Action Items
The board approved the September 2025 financial statement along with the following interest and investments:
§ HNB Gen Op Investments: $88,26.04
§ HNB Bldg Fund Investments: $475.59
§ HNB Bond Trust: $2.69
§ Star Ohio interest: $36,605.56
§ Middlefield Bank interest: $122.38
§ Richwood Bank interest: $1.97
Total: $125,454.23
Also approved:
• the transfer of $2,500,000 from the general fund to the P.I. fund; advances from the general fund of $30,000 to Perkins FY26 and $20,000 to ECOT grant; authorization for the treasurer to increase appropriations by $70,000: $50,000 to the general fund and $20,000 to ECOT grant; allowing U.S. Omni & TSAGG Compliance Services to provide third-party administrative services.; and authorization for the treasurer to create a new fund/SCC for the purpose of recording revenues and expenses related to the Every Child on Track grant.
Superintendent Recommendations
Richardson presented the following for approval:
• internship agreements with Barr Home & Business Services, LLC, Urbana; Coughlin Ford of Marysville; Environmental Management, Inc. (EMI), Plain City; Eufinger Law Offices, LLC, Marysville; Fade Aesthetics and Wellness, Grove City; Good Stuff Media Company, Marysville; Marysville Animal Care Center; Neer’s Sand and Gravel, Bellefontaine; Shawn McAllister Architect, Inc., Union County Family YMCA and Union County Humane Society, Marysville.
• certified substitute employment to Lori Fetter, Zachary Moore, Heidi Quigley, Jessica Rocha-Slemmons.
• uncompensated leave of absence for Benjamin Brockway for personal medical leave under FMLA and two days of FMLA unpaid leave for C. Megan Lacher.
• resignation of Robert Carder, HVAC-E instructor, effective Oct. 3; a search is underway to fill the position as quickly as possible.
• the following donations: 16 stethoscopes to the EMT and/or Allied Health programs from Alyssa Tompkins of Urbana; estimated value $119.84; pants, coats, boots and helmets to the district for career exploration training from Perry Township Fire Department of East Liberty; estimated value $15,000; miscellaneous tools to the HVAC and construction programs from George Wilkins, Bellefontaine, estimated value $255; digital curriculum adoptions of Scaffolded Consumer Math, Financial Literacy Resources, Amplify Desmos Math, Networking Academy and Academic Initiative.
• adoption of 19 novels and The Norton Field Guide to Writing, with handbook.
• modification of the Innovative Idea Award stipends previously approved by the board on June 25; they will now set up three categories and each winner will receive a stipend of $750. Previously, first place was awarded $1,000, second was $500, and third earned $250;
• mileage reimbursement for Skylar Jones from July to July.
Other board action:
• the board approved the superintendent contract addendum for Brad Richardson as presented; and
• a motion to enter an executive session to conference with the district’s attorney concerning pending or imminent court action concluded the meeting.
The next OHP board of education meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19.
