Yoder re-elected board president; BCS discusses levy for '26

The Bellefontaine Board of Education held its first meeting of 2026 Monday night in the High School Sloan Distance Learning Center.

First, the board met for their annual organizational meeting.

Colin Yoder was re-elected board president.

Mark Fissel was re-elected board vice president.

Board members Bryn Daring-Stewart and Rick Reed were sworn in by Treasurer Josh Wasson.

The board approved their meeting schedule for 2026.

Board meetings will be held on February 9th, March 9th, April 13th, May 11th, June 16th, July 21st, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, and December 14th.

Each monthly meeting will be held in the Distance Learning Center at 6:30 p.m.

WPKO Radio was designated as the official media outlet of the school district.

Colin Yoder was appointed the OSBA (Ohio School Boards Association) delegate for '26.

Mark Fissel was appointed the OSBA alternate for this year.

After the organizational meeting adjourned, the board held its monthly meeting.

The board had an in-depth discussion regarding a levy in '26.

Treasurer Wasson noted that recent changes to Ohio tax law are creating financial challenges for public schools, including BCS.

Wasson said, "The Ohio General Assembly recently passed multiple property tax reform bills designed to slow the growth of property taxes. While these changes provide relief for homeowners, they also limit how quickly school funding can grow. At the same time, the state did not fully update or fund the Fair School Funding Plan in the most recent biennial budget, leaving districts responsible for covering a greater share of education costs locally.

"School districts continue to face rising expenses for staff, transportation, utilities, special education services, and safety requirements. However, the combination of limited property tax growth and incomplete state funding means school revenues are not keeping pace with these unavoidable costs.

"There is also ongoing discussion at the state level about eliminating property taxes entirely, without a clear or reliable plan to replace the funding schools currently depend on. This creates additional uncertainty for long-term financial planning.

"In this environment, stable and predictable funding is critical. The district must consider options that provide funding sources that grow with the local economy, are not tied to property values, and help protect students and programs from cuts caused by state-level funding decisions.

"The district's focus remains on maintaining current programs, staffing, and services - not expansion. Our goal is stability for students, families, and the community during a time of significant uncertainty in school funding."

You can see more on tax changes and school funding at BCS Media Guide

The board will continue discussing levy options at future meetings this year. It appears that a levy is likely in November.

The board also explored facility planning.

Two firms are being considered to make a detailed presentation to the board this year.

Several personnel items were approved.

The following teachers were added to the professional substitute list at BCS:

Lauren Barhorst, Claire Grandstaff, Tyra-Lee Large, Madisyn Norris, and Jack Varner

Lauren Henry and Teresa Vogel were hired as substitute educational aides.

Emily Baldeh was approved as an athletic worker.

Lisa Stewart resigned as a food service worker.

The board approved monthly financial reports.

The board approved a resolution to administer the 3rd Grade ELA Assessment Test in paper-pencil format in '26-'27.

Finally, Kaileigh Vermillion was appointed to the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District Board. Her term runs through 2027.

The next board meeting will be February 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Sloan Distance Learning Center at BHS.

Photos: Colin Yoder is sworn in as board president by Treasurer Josh Wasson.

Mark Fissel is sworn in as board vice president by Treasurer Josh Wasson.

Board members Bryn Daring-Stewart (left) and Rick Reed are sworn in by Treasurer Josh Wasson.

The Bellefontaine Board of Education meets in the Distance Learning Center.