What: Board of Education organizational and regular meeting Tuesday.

Present: Kimberly Barrell, Michele Lamb, Mary Ann McMahon, Christopher Chieffo, Tony Perrone, Superintendent Ann Marie Thigpen and Treasurer Sean Miller.

The board:

• Approved agreements with Kent State University and Youngstown State University for the College Credit-Plus programs for the 2025-26 school year.

• Approved participation in the OSBA Legal Assistance Fund and authorized a $250 contribution. This fund supports efforts to obtain favorable judicial decisions that impact public education throughout Ohio. Participation provides legal support and access to resources that may benefit the district in future legal matters.

• Requested the Trumbull County Auditor and Treasurer to advance the maximum allowable funds from taxes, settlements and other revenue sources to the district’s general fund, emergency operating levy, bond retirement and maintenance fund. The resolution ensures the timely availability of funds for district operations throughout 2025.

• Dispensed with the requirement to adopt resolutions authorizing the payment of debts or claims during 2025. This allows for efficient payment processing within the appropriations previously approved by the board. The treasurer is authorized to use a facsimile signature for warrant issuance, streamlining the process.

• Authorized the treasurer to invest district funds when advisable, ensuring that surplus monies are prudently managed to maximize interest earnings.

• Granted the superintendent authority to employ temporary personnel as needed. All temporary hires will be presented for formal board approval at the next regular meeting. This flexibility allows the district to fill immediate staffing needs without delaying critical operations.

• Approved allowing the superintendent to accept employee resignations on behalf of the board. This measure streamlines administrative processes and ensures that resignations are handled promptly for efficient personnel management.

• Designated the Tribune Chronicle as the official publication for the Niles City School District. This ensures that all official notices, such as meeting schedules and policy updates, are published in accordance with legal requirements.

• Authorized the following individuals to act as the district’s Open Records representatives to respond to public records requests: Sean Miller, Terri Tripodi, Lori Proper, Diana Mostoller and Kimberly Werden.

• Approved the continuation of interdistrict open enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. This policy allows students from neighboring districts to enroll in Niles City Schools, fostering school choice and promoting diversity within the district.

— Chris McBride