MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Local Schools will list the “old junior high” property for sale after an auction in February failed to bring in a satisfactory bid.
The school board voted Wednesday to authorize listing the property with RES Auction Services, the company that administered an auction for the 12.85-acre property a few months ago.
The district conducted a public auction for the site, located at 690 Ashland Road, on Feb. 23. There were 23 bidders present, with the highest bid coming in at just under $142,000.
The board voted 4-1 not to accept the highest offer in a special meeting Feb. 24.
“The bids that we received from the auction were extremely low,” board president Amy Walker said.
“We find that property very valuable because our youth do use it for the soccer program. rather than practically giving it away, we’ll keep it unless we can get something a little higher than that — what it’s worth.”
Ohio law allows the district to sell the land privately after its been offered for sale at least once at a public auction.
The resolution allows the property to be sold as a single tract or multiple parcels — whichever is most advantageous to the district.
The board would still need to vote on any purchase agreement for the land before it could take effect.
The old junior high property is primarily vacant — the former Madison Junior High School closed in 2013 and was demolished the following year.
The Richland County Auditor lists the combined appraised value of the two lots as $316,540 — though appraised values from the auditor are often lower than a property’s true market value.
Board recognizes retiring business teacher, operations lead with Ram Pride awards
The board also recognized two staff members with Ram Pride awards.
Kim Miller is a business teacher in the high school career tech department.
During her 33 years in the district, Miller has taught a wide range of career-tech business courses including accounting, keyboarding, financial literacy, business and business ethics. Miller also serves as a career-tech education chairperson.
Career-tech director Jacob Grove said Miller has a gift for making connections with students while holding them to a high standard.
“She has made a profound and positive impact on students and families alike,” Grove said.
“Ms. Miller’s warm smile and engaging personality are truly infectious, and they help explain why her students consistently find success and fondly reminisce about her classes long after they’ve graduated.”
Grove, who was appointed career tech director in 2022, said Miller has been his ‘go-to’ person for advice.
“Ms. Miller’s work ethic is second to none,” Grove added. “She is, without question, one of the most dependable, reliable and respected leaders, teachers, co-workers and friends that Madison has to offer.”
Miller is set to retire at the end of this school year.
“Everybody’s asked me, ‘Are you excited about retiring?’ And I really do have mixed feelings,” she said, blinking back tears. “Yes, it’s time. But I am going to miss this place. Madison will always be a part of my heart.”
The board also recognized staff member Josh “Buzz” Miller with a Ram Pride Award. Josh works for the operations department.
Operations supervisor John Neron described him as an attentive and thorough professional with a positive attitude.
“He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that building needs are addressed, completing tasks with care, professionalism and a strong sense of urgency when emergencies arise,” Neron said. “He does not hesitate to step in and resolve issues in a timely and professional manner.
Neron said Miller has been an asset for him as he transitioned into the operations supervisor role.
“His vast knowledge of the buildings, operations, procedures and equipment has greatly improved my understanding of the district. Through his guidance and support, he has helped make this transition significantly smooth,” Neron said.
Other board business
The board also recognized the following achievements:
- Mifflin Elementary for being the Prodigy Math March state champion and a national Qualifier.
- Madison Career Technical Center for earning a 5-star state report card.
- This year’s national qualifiers for the Business Professionals of America competition: Kylie Carroll (Health Administrative Procedures), Alaina Washington (Fundamental Word Processing), Aubrey Conn (Administrative Support Team) Nick Maglott (Payroll Accounting), Jamelyn Mays (Administrative Support Team) Olivia Penrod (Administrative Support Team) AJ Studer (Administrative Support Team).
- State wrestling placers Estella Koppert-Smith (7th place), Aiden Proctor (6th place) and Jaxin Stancombe (4th place).
The board also voted to:
- Announced retire-rehire hearings for James Dillon and Mike Leeper, who will be retiring and seeking reemployment in the district. Both hearings are scheduled for June 17 at 6 p.m.
- Approved participating in the group rating program with Sheakley for the 2027 Worker’s Compensation group rating program at a cost of $69,464.00, at a projected savings of $10,380 from previous plan, according to the district.
- Approved the appointment of attorney Lee Skidmore as the referee in a matter of contract termination.
- The Superintendent recommends the Board of Education approve the Service Agreement to provide EMIS services to Ontario Local Schools from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Peterson said the district’s EMIS coordinator will work for Madison Local Schools three days a week and Ontario Local Schools two days a week.
