1.12.2026 Organizational Meeting

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro Tempore

Minutes

Mrs. Stephey led the Pledge of Allegiance. 


2. CALL TO ORDER: ROLL CALL:
Ms. Anne Spence, Treasurer/CFO

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Ms. Spence conducted Roll Call. All members were present. 


3. OATH OF OFFICE
Ms. Anne Spence, Treasurer/CFO

By statute, city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school boards may organize any time within the first 15 days of January. The most important business of an organizational meeting is the election of officers.
The Treasurer of the Tiffin City Board of Education will administer the Oath of Office to newly elected board members, Dr. Joanna Beres, and Mr. Larry Kisabeth. Rhonda L. Best, Judge, from Tiffin- Fostoria Municipal Court administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Victor Perez, as exhibited.

 

Minutes

Ms. Spence administered the Oath of Office to the following board members, Mr. Kisabeth and Dr. Beres. As noted Mr. Perez received the Oath of Office from Rhonda L. Best, Judge, from Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court on 1/7/2026. 


4. ADOPT THE AGENDA

The Board members, including the administration, will review the agenda. The Board must approve any additions, deletions, or corrections.

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned by Dr. Beres and seconded by Dr. McBride to put the item on the floor for discussion. 

The agenda was amended to adjust section 11. The purchasing agent was changed from Director of Operations to Superintendent. Also, Ms. Anne Spence was added as the designee for the Board Member Sunshine Law Training. 

Amendment motioned by Dr. Beres and seconded by Mr. Kisabeth. 

Motioned: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

5.1 Elect President for 2026

The first order of business is to elect a new President for the Tiffin City Board of Education for 2026.
The President Pro Tempore will ask for nominations for the President of the Tiffin City Board of Education for Calendar Year 2026. 


5.2 Motion for President Nominations

Nominations do not require a second.
Nominees:

When all nominations are voiced, the President Pro Tempore will ask for a motion to close nominations.

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Mr. Kisabeth nominated Mrs. Stephey as President. 

Motioned: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member


5.3 Motion to Close Nominations for President

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

5.4 Roll Call to Elect President

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

5.5 Administration of Oath of Office to President
Ms. Anne Spence, Treasurer/CFO

The newly elected President assumes the chair.

Minutes

Ms. Spence administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Stephey. 


5.6 Elect Vice President for 2026

The second order of business is to elect a new Vice President for the Tiffin City Board of Education for 2026.
The President will ask for nominations for the Vice President of the Tiffin City Board of Education for Calendar Year 2026. 


5.7 Motion for Vice President Nominations

Nominations do not require a second.
Nominees:

When all nominations are voiced, the President Pro Tempore will ask for a motion to close nominations.

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Dr. Beres nominated Dr. McBride for Vice President. 


5.8 Motion to Close Nominations for Vice President

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Victor Perez, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro Tempore

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

5.9 Roll Call to Elect Vice President

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

5.10 Administration of Oath of Office to Vice President
Ms. Anne Spence, Treasurer/CFO

The newly elected Vice President assumes the chair.

Minutes

Ms. Spence administered the Oath of Office to Dr. McBride. 


6. CONSENT AGENDA:

The Superintendent recommends the Tiffin City Board of Education approve the consent agenda: Action by the Board of Education in Adoption of the Consent Agenda means that all Consent Agenda items are adopted by one single motion unless a member of the Board or the Superintendent requests that any such item be removed from the consent agenda and voted upon separately. Employments, where applicable, are contingent upon 1) Verification of education and experience; 2) Proof of proper certification/licensure; 3) Favorable results from a criminal records check

Minutes

The consent agenda was adopted as presented. 

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

6.1 Approve Minutes

The Superintendent recommends the Tiffin City Board of Education approve the following minutes, as exhibited:

12.30.2025 Special Board Meeting Minutes 


7. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026

Business Advisory Council
1.
2.
Finance
1.
2.
Support Services
1.
2.
Communications
1.
Policy & Governance
1.
2.
Records
1. 
2. (Superintendent, Treasurer)
Legislative Liaison
1.
Student Achievement Liaison
1.

Minutes

Business Advisory Council
1. Mr. Kisabeth
2. Dr. Beres
Finance
1. Mr. Kisabeth 
2. Mrs. Stephey 
Support Services
1. Mr. Perez
2. Dr. McBride 
Communications
1. Dr. McBride 
Policy & Governance
1. Dr. McBride 
2. Mr. Perez 
Records
1. Mrs. Stephey   
2. (Superintendent, Treasurer)
Legislative Liaison
1. Mr. Perez 
Student Achievement Liaison
1. Dr. Beres 

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

8. MEETING DATES FOR 2026

At this time, the Board will adopt the following resolution that will set the regular meeting dates for Calendar Year 2026.
The Tiffin City Board of Education will hold its regular meetings for 2026 on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m., with the exception of May and December, which will be the third Monday at 6:30 p.m., at the Tiffin Middle School Cafetorium.
The following are the exact dates for the meetings to be held:

January 26, 2026
February 23, 2026
March 23, 2026
April 27, 2026
May 18, 2026
June 22, 2026
July 27, 2026
August 24, 2026
September 28, 2026
October 26, 2026
November 23, 2026
December 21, 2026
All special meetings will be announced by the Board.

 

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned: Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro Tempore

Seconded: Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro Tempore

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

9. BOARD DELEGATE TO OSBA 2026 FALL CONFERENCE

At each organizational meeting, the Board approves one of its Board members to be the Board delegate to the OSBA Fall Conference Business Meeting.
Board delegate OSBA Fall Conference Business Meeting 2026:

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Dr. McBride volunteered to be the delegate for the 2026 conference again but is also willing to give it up to another member that is interested. Mrs. Stephey mentioned that she enjoys it but prefers the Dr. McBride continues. Dr. Beres nominated Dr. McBride to be the delegate. 

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro Tempore

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

10. BOARD ALTERNATIVE TO OSBA 2026 FALL CONFERENCE

At each organizational meeting, the Board approves one of its Board members to be the Board alternate delegate to the Fall OSBA Business meeting.
Board alternate delegate to OSBA Fall Conference Business Meeting 2026:

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Dr. Beres nominated Mrs. Stephey to be the alternative OSBA delegate. 

Motioned: Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro Tempore

Seconded: Mr. Victor Perez, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

11. APPROVE “STANDING AUTHORIZATIONS” FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026

The Superintendent recommends the Tiffin City Board of Education approve the following standing authorizations for Calendar Year 2026:

Advance on Taxes Collected

WHEREAS, under the provisions of Section 321.34 of the Revised Code, money in the County Treasury to the account of this School District, may, if requested by Resolution, be drawn upon in advance of the tax settlement dates; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Tiffin City School District, that the auditor and treasurer of Seneca County, be and they hereby are, requested to draw, pay and advance to the treasury, to the account of the School District, all monies lawfully applicable to the purposes of Calendar Year 2026.

Payment of Bills

Authorization for the Treasurer to pay all bills within the limits of the appropriation resolution as bills are received and when the merchandise/services have been received in good condition.

Then and Now Certificates

Authorization for the Treasurer to review and approve all Then and Now Certificates per ORC 5705.41(D).
Employment of Temporary Personnel Authorization for the Superintendent to employ personnel and accept resignations, as she determines necessary to cover emergency situations.

Appointment of Purchasing

Agent Authorization for the Superintendent to serve as purchasing agent for the School District.
State and Federal Programs The Tiffin City Board of Education agrees to act as fiscal agent for all state and federal programs for Fiscal Year 2026.

Board Service Fund

Authorization to establish the Board service fund for Calendar Year 2026 at $12,000.00.

Certificate of Available Sources

Authorization for the Treasurer to file the Certificate of the Total Amount From All Sources Available For Expenditures, and Balances and Amended Official Certificate of Estimated Resources during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

Legal Counsel

The following firms are designated as official representatives of various legal issues for District affairs: Bricker & Graydon, LLP; Freund, Freeze & Arnold; Squire Patton Boggs; Scott Scriven LLP; Supance & Howard, and Walter | Haverfield.

Self-Insurance Trust 

Authorization for the Superintendent to serve as the delegated representative to the Stark County COG Insurance Health Programs and for the Treasurer to serve as alternate.

Sales Tax Resolution 

Upon the recommendation of the Treasurer, the Board of Education authorizes the Treasurer/CFO to authorize the payment of reasonable sales tax for approved purchases or expenses when a tax exemption certificate cannot be used or its use is impractical under the circumstances. 

Liability and Bond Insurance 

Ohio School Council and UIS Insurance 

Credit Card Compliance Officer 

Appointment for Kathy Guinther to be the credit card compliance officer. 

Title IX Coordinator 

North Central Ohio Educational Service Center 

Public Records Designee 

Appointment for Anne Spence to be the Public Records Designee 

Appointment for Anne Spence as the designee for the Board Member Sunshine Law Training 

Notice of Medical Insurance availability for Board Member in accordance with section 3313.202 Ohio Revised Code

 

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

All items were approved including the amendment of the Superintendent being the purchasing agent as well as Ms. Spence being the designee for Sunshine Law Training. 

Motioned: Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro Tempore

Seconded: Mr. Victor Perez, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro Tempore  X
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

12. AGENT FOR ALL FEDERAL AND STATE AND PRIVATELY FUNDED PROJECTS DURING CALENDAR YEAR 2026

The Superintendent recommends the Tiffin City Board of Education formally appoint the Superintendent to act as its agent for all federal, state, and privately funded projects during Calendar Year 2026. This is necessary for the Superintendent to be able to legally sign forms.

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Victor Perez, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

13. ALTERNATIVE TAX BUDGET INFORMATION

The Treasurer recommends the Tiffin City Board of Education approve the Alternative Tax Budget Information for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2026 as required by the Seneca County Budget Commission, which has waived the adoption of a tax budget pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 5705.281.
The county budget commission must certify tax rates to the board of education by March 1, even when a tax budget is waived, and issue an official certificate of estimated resources and amended official certificates of estimated resources based on alternative tax budget information the commission required the board of education to provide. The treasurer for the board of education must file one copy of the alternative tax budget information with the County Auditor on or near January 20.

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Motioned: Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro Tempore

Seconded: Mr. Victor Perez, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

14. ACTION ITEMS

14.1 Board of Education Code of Ethics

Adopts the Code of Ethics for calendar year 2026, as exhibited: 

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

All members signed the Code of Ethics at the conclusion of the Organizational Meeting. 

Motioned: Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro Tempore

Seconded: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

14.2 Board Member Compensation Form

Adopt the Board Member Compensation Form for calendar year 2026, as exhibited; 

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Ms. Spence mentioned this is something new this year. Each member will complete the form and return it back to Ms. Spence. Mr. Perez confirmed the Code of Ethics form will be signed and returned as well. 

Motioned: Mr. Victor Perez, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro Tempore

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

14.3 Approve the Contract for Interim Superintendent Greg Williamson

The Board of Education approves the contract for Interim Superintendent Greg Williamson, as exhibited; 

______ Mrs. Stephey
______ Dr. McBride 
______ Dr. Beres
______ Mr. Kisabeth
______ Mr. Perez

Minutes

Mr. Boes and Mr. Kisabeth met with Mr. Williamson this morning. He is excited to be in the district and get started. Mr. Boes mentioned that Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Young also met with Mr. Williamson after the previous meeting to assist with getting him started. Mrs. Stephey thanked Mr. Boes for his continuous support to the district. Mr. Kisabeth mentioned that Mr. Williamson's daughter is expecting a baby and was currently in the hospital. Mr. Williamson offered to attend the meeting this evening. Mr. Kisabeth encouraged him to go be with his daughter and first grandchild. 

Motioned: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Joanna Beres, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

15. ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Hold an Executive Session for one or more of the following matters to:
__X___ a. consider the appointment___, employment_X__, dismissal___, discipline___, promotion___, demotion___, or compensation_____ of a public employee(s) or official(s)___, or consider the investigations of charges or complaints against a public employee(s)___, official(s), licensee(s) or "regulated individual(s)"___; unless the person(s) being investigated of charges or complaints requests a public hearing;
_____ b. consider the purchase or sale of public property if the public interest would be hurt by the premature disclosure of the information;
_____ c. confer with the public body's attorney for the purpose of considering disputes if a court action concerning the dispute is either pending or imminent;
_____ d. prepare for, conduct, or review negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees;
_____ e. consider matters required by federal laws, or rules, or state statutes to be kept confidential;
_____ f. consider specialized details of security arrangements if the information could be used for criminal purposes.
__X___ g. no action taken.
Time in:

Minutes

Time in: 7:01pm 

Prior to executive session starting: Dr. McBride thanked Mr. Kisabeth and Mrs. Stephey for their leadership on the board for 2025. Mr. Kisabeth mentioned he is thankful to be here and we have a good crew and school district. 


16. EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION

Return to open session.
Time out:


17. ADJOURNMENT

The Board business meeting is concluded.
Meeting started:
Meeting ended:

Minutes

Meeting started:6:31pm
Meeting ended:7:32pm 

Motioned: Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro Tempore

Seconded: Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Heidi Stephey, President Pro TemporeX  
Dr. Meagan McBride, Vice President Pro TemporeX  
Mr. Larry Kisabeth, Board MemberX  
Dr. Joanna Beres, Board MemberX  
Mr. Victor Perez, Board MemberX  

17.1 Next Regular Meeting

The next regular meeting will tentatively be on January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Tiffin Middle School Cafetorium, pending board action at tonight's meeting. 

Minutes

Mrs. Stephey mentioned the next Regular Board meeting will be on January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Tiffin Middle School Cafetorium.


18. 412 CERTIFICATE