By Amantha Garpiel
For Miami Valley Today
TIPP CITY — The Tipp City Board of Education (BOE) received a building project update, as well as discussed the reduction in force of non-teaching and administrative positions, and two new positions to be advertised internally.
To start off the April 23 regular session meeting of the BOE, Superintendent Aaron Moran presented the board with an update on the district’s new building project.
On April 16, a meeting was held to begin the Expedited Local Partnership Program, ELPP, with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, OFCC. With the bond passing on March 19 and the meeting with OFCC, Tipp City is now a part of the co-funded category, meaning the district does not need to ask the community for as much funding for the project.
With this move to a different category, the project is now on hold while the district waits to get approved at the state commission level in July. However, it does mean the first two phases of the project are now projected to take only three years.
“They’ve (OFCC) been a good partner and helping us through this process,” said Moran. “They want to make a building that is going to be beneficial to our kids and our community as well. I am excited about this opportunity. While it may push some things back, overall I think it’s a net win for the community and for our schools.”
The board then turned to discussion on resolutions to implement a necessary reduction of force. According to the document attached to the meeting agenda, the administrative position being suspended is the Director of Human Resources Dr. Lisa Tuttle-Huff. The non-teaching positions being suspended are the administrative assistant to the elementary Principal Carol Heitkamp, Maintenance/Custodian Trinity Stevens, BOE Administrative Assistant Chelsea Syphrit, and Assistant School Library Media Specialist Taylor Marsh.
The resolution was eventually tabled after the board expressed concern that they are taking action on the subject too quickly.
“I don’t like what’s going on. I think we need more time to study the numbers again and look into it,” said Vice President Richard Mains. “As far as suspension of any contracts, I’m opposed to it.”
Board member Angela McMurry specified she wants to take more time to look at the district’s current financials. McMurry also requested to see a new five-year forecast.
“I just want you all to know that this is not easy for me,” said McMurry. “I too made an oath to this district as an alum and as someone whose children are in the classroom. … What I do ask of you is that you respect us and trust that we are doing what’s right.”
Next, the board discussed a job posting for two positions that will be posted internally.
The posting is for two gifted-endorsed instructional coaches for LT Ball and Tippecanoe High School.
According to Moran, the two full-time positions will replace one full-time position which is being vacated due to the current employee’s upcoming retirement and one part-time position. The two new positions were created in the hopes of better supporting the district’s gifted students.
With the tabled resolutions to suspend contracts, the board unanimously voted to table this motion to the work session as well.
In other business, the board:
• Voted to suspend severance pay policies 1415 and 4415, extending the time allotted for staff to file retirement paperwork and receive severance pay.
• Passed a resolution stating employees who qualify for severance pay and submit notice of retirement by May 20, 2024, will qualify for the Merit Service Retirement Award.
The writer is a regular contributor to Miami Valley Today.
