Talawanda considers administrative changes, votes down new tech position amid budget uncertainty

A Talawanda administrator has been promoted following the former director of teaching and learning’s resignation, and the Board of Education voted down a new technology staff position during a June 19 meeting. The board also approved a part-time records specialist to complete public records requests — read more about the new position here.

Administrative changes

Lindsey Gregg, director of teaching and learning for Talawanda, has resigned from her position. It marks the second district-level administrative departure this year after human resources director Mike Malone accepted a job in another district.

Gregg began at her position in 2019. As director of teaching and learning, she oversaw curriculum and worked to improve student performance and teaching practices.

The board voted 4-1 to appoint Stephanie Aerni, current director of student services, to the position for the coming school year. Board member Dawn King voted against the contract, saying she did not have time to review it. King previously voted against renewing Aerni’s contract in her current role.

Aerni’s new contract wasn’t added to the board agenda until the day of the meeting. Agendas should “generally” be provided two days prior to meetings according to board policy, though they are typically amended at the start of each meeting with updates.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a name or the contract, and I consider teaching and learning, the director of that position, one of the higher-level administrative positions,” King said. “I’m really saddened that it wasn’t provided until today.”

Ohio state law dictates that certified staff at public schools can’t leave their contracts to go to different positions for the upcoming school year after July 10 without permission. Superintendent Ed Theroux said the district reviewed 22 applications for the position and finished interviews the morning of the board meeting. Because Aerni’s hiring leaves another district position open, he said, district staff wanted it on the agenda in June to allow time to hire someone else to fill her role by the July 10 deadline. 

The board also approved hiring Victoria Kowalk as a substitute administrator on an as-needed basis. According to the agenda, she will be paid a daily rate of $200. Kimbra Turner, administrative personal assistant to the superintendent, retired this year after 28 years, and Rhonda Johnson, head secretary at Talawanda High School, has been transferred to fill the role.

Tech position voted down amid funding uncertainty

With increased cybersecurity risks and new technology like artificial intelligence impacting education, Theroux proposed creating an assistant director of technology position. The position could cost up to $110,000 including benefits, though, and the board voted it down unanimously as state funding discussions continue.

Ohio has until June 30 to pass a biennial budget, which could have major impacts on public schools. The state house proposed capping general fund savings at 30% of operating budgets for schools, and the state senate raised the proposal to 50%. Neither chamber committed to fully funding public schools based on the Fair School Funding Act of 2021.

Multiple board members said they think additional technology support is needed at Talawanda. Given the uncertainty around state funding, though, they encouraged Theroux to reintroduce the resolution in July or August once the district impact is clearer.

“With the budget discussions that are going on right now, I think it would be wise if we could push it back,” board member Chris Otto said. “I am in favor of the position … but I think waiting a month would be prudent.”

At the end of the meeting, the board voted unanimously to pass a resolution drafted by All In For Ohio Kids calling on the state to fully fund public education. The text of the resolution calls on lawmakers to consider property tax relief initiatives separately from school funding and specifically opposes the saving caps.

The Board of Education will meet again at 7 p.m. on July 9 for a regular meeting in the Talawanda High School Performing Arts Center. Meetings are livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel.

Editor’s note: Stephanie Aerni is a member of the Board of Directors for the Oxford Free Press. Board members do not oversee content and are not permitted to review stories prior to publication.