Edwards County Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education met Nov. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the West Salem Grade School Science Room by President, Dale Woods. The following members were present: Kayla Bell, Mark McDaniel, Jo Rector, Jayare Buerster, Lawrence Speir Jr. and Wayne Doelling. Also present were Superintendent, David Cowger; ECHS Principal, Dale Schmittler; WSGS Principal, Mark Beckel; AGS Jr. High Principal/Building and Grounds Director, Kris Duncan and AGS Elementary Principal/Special Education Coordinator, Carrie Wells. Assistant Principal Joe Rivers was absent.
APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA
Motion was made by Mark McDaniel and seconded by Jayare Buerster to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
• November Board Agenda
• Motion to approve the minutes of the open and closed sessions of the October 20, 2025 Regular Board Meeting.
• Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report
• Motion to approve the Bill List
• Motion to destroy board meeting closed session audio recording older than 18 months per State code
• FOIA Report
Doelling, Speir, Rector, Bell, Buerster, McDaniel and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
SPOTLIGHT
Michael Snidle – Vocational Teacher
Mr. Snidle addressed the board and gave them an update on the new programs he is teaching this school year.
STUDENT ADDRESSES BOARD
Gracie Fenton addressed the Board regarding ECHS Cross- Country
APPROVE 2025 TAX LEVY
Motion was made by Wayne Doelling and seconded by Mark McDaniel to approve the 2025 Tax Levy payable in 2026 with an overall levy amount of $4,650,255.00
The projected tax rate is $3.25 as compared to the current $3.29. The overall levy reflects an 11.2% increase from the 2025 tax extension. The increase is due to projected higher EAV levels because of new growth and increased property assessment through the county.
McDaniel, Bell, Speir, Doelling, Buerster, Rector and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
SALE OF SURPLUS ITEMS
Motion was made by Jo Rector and seconded by Mark McDaniel to accept bids and approve the sale of surplus items. • Bus #7 – Chase Giese $1515
• Bus #19 – Chase Giese $815
• 1996 Van – Chase Giese $215
• 1994 Truck – Chase Giese $215
• Advance Floor Scrubber – Steve Clodfelter $25 • Whirlamatic Floor Scrubber – Steve Clodfelter $65
• Advance Shop Vac – William Kent $54
• Basketball Goals – Chase Giese $40
• Delta Saw – Steve Clodfelter $65
• Powermatic Bandsaw – Jakeob Summerfield $200 • Lincoln Welder – Aaron Winter $25
• Miller Dialarch – Aaron Winter $35
McDaniel, Bell, Speir, Rector, Doelling, Buerster and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
APPROVE TRUTH IN TAXATION CERTIFICATE
Motion was made by Mark McDaniel and seconded by Kayla Bell to approve the 2025 Truth in Taxation Certificate of Compliance
A timely notice was placed in the Wayne County Press regarding the Truth in Taxation Hearing.
McDaniel, Speir, Bell, Doelling, Buerster, Rector and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
APPROVE RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO ISSUE WORKING CASH BONDS
Motion was made by Wayne Doelling and seconded by Mark McDaniel to approve the Resolution of Intent to Issue $3,500,000.00 Working Cash Bonds to increase the District Working Cash Fund
A public hearing will be held prior to the regular board meeting in December to allow for public comment.
McDaniel, Speir, Doelling, Bell, Buerster, Rector and Woods voted yes. Motion passes.
FIRST READING OF CURRICULUM CHANGES
First Reading of proposed ECHS Curriculum Changes for the 2026-2027 School Year
A request to made to look into the possibility of offering dual credit History opportunities. Administration along with Mrs. Biggs will look into the possibility of adding beginning with the 26-27 school year.
DISCUSSION REGARDING ECHS CROSS COUNTRY
Discussion regarding the addition of High School Cross Country
Administration was given the go ahead to address ECTA about the possibility of adding beginning with the 26-27 school year. A memorandum of understanding will need to be entered between the ECTA and Board of Education.
The Administrators presented their reports on the following:
• David Cowger – Superintendent
Cafeteria Report
Sales Tax Report
School Summative Designation
Graduation Dates
WADI Food Drive
Vocational Classes by District
Truck Purchase F250 4×4 $5,250
• Dale Schmittler – ECHS Principal
• Carrie Wells – AGS Elementary Principal/Special Education Coordinator
• Kris Duncan – AGS Jr. High Principal/Building & Grounds Director
• Mark Beckel – WSGS Principal
• Joe Rivers – Edwards County K-12 Assistant Principal
INTO CLOSED SESSION
Motion was made by Jo Rector and seconded by Mark McDaniel that a Closed Session be called at 7:59 p.m. to discuss the following:
• Consider the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine validity
• Consider Student Discipline
Speir, Rector, McDaniel, Bell, Doelling, Buerster and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Motion was made by Mark McDaniel and seconded by
Wayne Doelling that the Board come out of Closed Session at 8:31 p.m.
Doelling, McDaniel, Rector, Speir, Bell, Buerster and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
EMPLOY LONG TERM SUBSTITUTE
Motion was made by Wayne Doelling and seconded by Mark McDaniel to employ Selena Musgrave as an Elementary Long Term Substitute at the West Salem Grade School
Speir, McDaniel, Doelling, Bell, Buerster, Rector and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
APPROVE VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACHES
Motion was made by Jo Rector and seconded by Jayare Buerster to approve the following Volunteer Assistant Coaches:
• AGS Volleyball – Katie Robb and Libby McKinzie
• AGS Basketball – Matt Rhodes
Buerster, Speir, Rector, McDaniel, Bell, Doelling and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
ADJOURN MEETING
Motion was made by Jayare Buerster and seconded by Mark McDaniel that the meeting be adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Bell, McDaniel, Buerster, Rector, Doelling, Speir and Woods voted yes. Motion passes
https://cdnsm5-ss20.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_64932/File/School%20Board/Minutes/November%2017,%202025%20Minutes%20with%20Comments.pdf
