Lexington Local School’s monthly board of education meeting last week started out with a report from student representative, Morgan Gongwer. Board president Robert Whitney presented her with a name plaque, which will remain at her spot on the board’s round table.
In her report, Gongwer assured the board that the school year is off to a solid start. She reported on the success of all fall sports and stated Senior Picture Day went well. When she was finished, she politely dismissed herself and the meeting proceeded.
Eric Lehnhart, who appeared at last month’s meeting, attended the meeting to readdress the board. Lehnhart was still concerned with an issue regarding class size at Central Elementary. He questioned whether or not parents living outside of Central’s district and currently sending their children to Central Elementary were paying taxes for the district.
He was also concerned with postings for class supplies and assignments. The postings were placed on the last Friday before school started, which caused “anxiety” to the parents who “scrambled all weekend to plan for their child’s needs.” He had not heard back from Whitney, who had previously stated he would be in contact with Lehnhart.
Tina Bennet, the board’s Financial Adviser, said she would follow up with Lehnhart as soon as she is able to clear up any misunderstanding.
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (MOESC) was another discussion item. At their previous meeting, the board decided to communicate with MOESC representatives to better understand the 38 percent increase in their service charges. The representative was unable to attend the board meeting Wednesday, so instead the board had a typed document explaining their reasons for increasing service charges in the last fiscal year.
Lexington currently has 21 youth involved in MOESC’s services.
“I am not inclined to vote on an approval to pay the invoice yet,” stated board member Jeff Heck.
The board decided to “send them another invitation” so they could discuss the increase more in depth.