[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6627941,"mediaKeyId","2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e","parentId",2723071,"title","Visitors bureau seeks board approval to apply for Legends & Lore roadside marker honoring Harry Toby","audioSeconds",518,"startMs",781000,"endMs",1299000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e&start=781&end=1299","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e/thumbnail_781000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6627941/Ohio/Visitors-bureau-seeks-board-approval-to-apply-for-Legends-Lore-roadside-marker-honoring-Harry-Toby","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627941-3fb733aff96fa81ee5f3e18fe183e8e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098823&Signature=ZNzdMTsm20PmjF7G6efHcp8pEFlUX6tYWGF5mqjlkuVLXvsHgI2cJ5Bkwm7d7T468e4a5cDRuyuAXYvjyUC7Cev~gOJNbPKK0v14dp90-r3XncR2rbWL9O3lUKFM2geTcI5HTenlLWi7luBu1Twnt1FhtaRo3FJVxAVnUDXNXoXfCKuO3MMFON9~9ITbygPUMU~6H~tC~YdBOfFiFb~AlOSvRVh3HffUrwBzIvP2sTdkhgaca9NRnbFqbXGZj8acIKExKtTUnY~KJsKi-TU2DPpXLYftZd-OdfrpQQzxvpjYGAe2y1S6t3QKIONOTgmufaEc5bySKeCHZ1a-L8hXjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Talawanda City","date","2025-03-21T02:39:33.997Z","article","A representative of the Oxford visitors bureau asked the Talawanda City School District board on March 20 for permission to apply for a William Pomeroy Foundation Legends & Lore roadside marker commemorating Harry Toby.

The presenter, speaking for Enjoy Oxford, said the Pomeroy program provides full funding for markers in participating states and that only two markers currently exist in Ohio. She proposed placing the marker on district property at 131 West Chestnut Street, citing a letter of support from Brad Spurlock of the Smith Library regional history collection. Spurlock’s letter (read into the record) said Toby is nationally recognized as a superfan, has a sculpture exhibited at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and produced notable masonry work in the community, and recommended the board office site because of the masonry features on nearby buildings.

The visitors bureau representative explained maintenance practices for markers (annual cleaning) and said the foundation provides guidance on upkeep. She asked the board for permission to submit the grant application; the board took the request under consideration and said it would decide later.

Ending: Board members thanked the presenter and indicated they would review the request and notify the visitors bureau of the board’s decision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Talawanda Board Meeting - March 20th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","An Oxford visitors bureau representative asked the Talawanda City School District board for permission to apply for a William Pomeroy Foundation Legends & Lore roadside marker to commemorate local superfan and stonemason Harry Toby at the district administrative building.","taxTitle","Talawanda City, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",60486,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627946,"Talawanda Middle School reports academic gains, new supports and safety upgrades",973,1322000,2295000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e&start=1322&end=2295","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e/thumbnail_1322000.jpg","/articles/6627946/Ohio/Talawanda-Middle-School-reports-academic-gains-new-supports-and-safety-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627946-f937e8366ff9e9d4d4f43fca12d60874/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098823&Signature=Yd226r5im3ti5xL7KGFSeETQTpRACKzgErGhZ8xyvMmUccmvNoJTWJomusVFv2TRMVsjDNY9PfLPK-ZDQSukB1T9oeZ3M4munCR0e37JXS6e0GkXALD7vnjRPQE8sGGafVRhO0hoyD~uw2YesuoShO58VMJWcoGGrS~AbcjdFJ4Ayct8g~a80GdejoUcEBo8phAAYi-w3XdF7OWcxgE5OeKC~veF4obgiFfP-V~ld2QV8k-CeFPUqg7FCxtmkhBv5TyUGOMUJzWj2~tsEK5jCL9yp0CSAhwwC~2Y3khNm22KrjpXZkXADKIc-0DTUFUs5poKeNBqGsCpR688ZrEheA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tallawanda Middle School leaders reported academic gains, expanded student supports and recent facility and safety improvements at the Talawanda City School District board meeting on March 20.

TMS officials said the school’s sixth-grade math scores were the highest in Butler County and that the building earned a 4-star value-added progress rating and a state \"Momentum\" award for sustained gains. Presenters noted the school’s performance index rose from 78 to 87 over four years and described growth across achievement, progress and gap-closing metrics.

Administrators outlined practices that contributed to the results, including a \"green slip\" recovery program for missing assignments, extra-help and tutorial blocks, a 0-bell (before-school) option and targeted small-group instruction. The school also added a Butler County Success Liaison to connect families with food and housing supports and to run a backpack/food-home program.

TMS described social-emotional and safety initiatives: partnerships with Bestpoint and Primary Health Solutions for therapy and day treatment, therapy dogs that visit the building, updates to staff radios and parking-lot signage, reflective vests and \"light sticks\" for arrival/dismissal duty, and a building safety team that reviews drills and procedures. Staff noted a successful \"100 positive calls\" effort and a PBIS-based \"Brave Bucks\" incentive program that includes a school \"Brave Shop.\"

Staff highlighted community grants and partnerships: a $35,000 bleacher upgrade grant, $12,500 from the McCullough Hyde Foundation to create a mountain-bike program, and engineering/3D-printing classroom projects that provided student-made keychains for board members. Leaders described an increase in extracurricular offerings including fishing club, Latin club and builder's club and noted that student athletes maintain solid average GPAs.

Ending: Middle school leaders thanked the board and noted continued emphasis on data-driven interventions and family/community partnerships to sustain gains.","TMS leaders told the board about test-score improvements, new academic supports and mental-health and safety initiatives after receiving state momentum recognition.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627951,"Treasurer warns of shrinking state share; public speakers criticize voucher expansion and discipline reporting",1320,6037000,7357000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e&start=6037&end=7357","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e/thumbnail_6037000.jpg","/articles/6627951/Ohio/Treasurer-warns-of-shrinking-state-share-public-speakers-criticize-voucher-expansion-and-discipline-reporting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627951-d42a9fd81691c6dd794d9a9d604f0d89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098823&Signature=B3Ypj5TNSjnXez2acgC0zKXsab9ZZ9PWeAeSmO04MlVtT90Ftn9yaMt4D4IpT6t1MoKdHNspyZniAd4hnSYIeXdCSA59SmIfnB1eQe-suSIOnkDBYwS3m-ZG-rzTNbbKcJHBtFLd7VN3QRuuR4lIvaqipBOpKslmeu5h~xLtzVkT2uBY~LsYqyM~56jPEETaCoDGcPOq7GqjuUdgL95GqG-ksHhZyIZIlAQHwo0Xoe7pbuxZEMN0dwadaYg5Llz3NCzumV6z17zVQnFsJU9FX1eCZkwCL~e91xgpFiscfJzETDuw-ORPVQgf-iXySbrlDrNi334LOGsF5TLme0njuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District finance staff presented a detailed briefing on the Fair School Funding Formula and the Talawanda City School District's reliance on local revenue during the board's March 20 meeting.

The presenter reviewed the formula's mechanics — base costs, categorical funding and the state/local partnership — and warned that Talawanda's state share has fallen from roughly 26% historically to about 13.7% in the current fiscal year. Staff said the governor's proposed biennial budget would further reduce the district's state share to about 11% if enacted. The presenter noted district-specific factors used in the formula, including property valuation and income measures, and explained Talawanda's temporary transitional aid guarantee (a floor that prevented the district from receiving less than fiscal year 2021 aid), which currently provides roughly $2.2 million.

Public commenters responded with concerns. A high-school teacher and night-school instructor, Kalindi Webb, described how alternative programs such as night school and College Credit Plus give students flexibility and produce free college credits for students (she reported more than 720 credits from her English CCP course over seven years). Another public commenter, identified as Scotty King, challenged the district's use of the terms \"in-school suspension\" (ISS) and \"in-school assignment\" (ISA), saying ISA appears not to be reported to the state and alleging the district might be using ISA to avoid required state reporting. School administrators and the superintendent responded that the district uses multiple disciplinary approaches, tracks incidents in its systems and does not falsify reporting; they said district staff monitor data and investigate patterns, but said the specific EMIS reporting difference (ISS vs ISA) should be addressed privately with administrators if warranted.

Several speakers raised voucher concerns. Members of the public and board discussion cited a recent expansion of state-funded vouchers and said the state was providing full base funding to voucher students (cited at about $8,242 per student in discussion), without means testing; commenters warned that voucher funding diverts money from public schools. Board members urged community attendance at a co-sponsored community legislative forum on March 24 to learn how to contact legislators and discuss the budget.

The superintendent and finance staff committed to present more state-aid detail at the co-sponsored forum next week and to provide comparisons with neighboring districts on request.

Ending: The meeting closed the funding segment by urging residents to attend the March 24 forum for deeper discussion and advocacy steps; staff said they'll circulate the presentation slides and comparative data for other districts.","District finance staff presented updated state-funding analysis showing a long-term decline in the state share of school funding; public commenters pressed the board about voucher spending and inconsistencies in reporting in-school discipline.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6627956,"Board approves turf contract, classroom technology and several personnel items; staffing additions approved after split vote",3256,5766000,9022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e&start=5766&end=9022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2723071-37c7e368813be2120c255858fca8787e/thumbnail_5766000.jpg","/articles/6627956/Ohio/Board-approves-turf-contract-classroom-technology-and-several-personnel-items-staffing-additions-approved-after-split-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6627956-742d4dc626903e349f630678805655f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771098823&Signature=evY0kURDIGr8TWWexn2q8lEvGB7kKtlKmL1cLL8tiuKa1bw6mDQm2UZJxXpdqN9IRR5qqaFLF4NMdxGGc~TreEc61t5wdDbDSywwEO5Ri5~vHuesPUvkfDQeSn6N0ZOw2fVIay80iFeKk7Cq-45xqMAGfrW~FPEWLoRYmrI-g7rSIqks0E4PYSgp2WpIxFad81RE3VFCd9iGFe10dpJTAMPI5ZbvhT-unzL2OqgGlA~Swz1jI19qcg8n9PQuVsiEUi7h81YlHmR67e6bcq6CAKuBzp1D-TFzJ9fS6oNSuAPQOkyDYA6bDAOG48pbw2ZLr8hpZ-aMh~Nbyxw57TwcXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Talawanda City School District Board of Education on March 20 approved a series of purchase contracts and personnel items, and narrowly approved a modified staffing proposal.

The board voted to approve a contract with the Motes Group and a contingency fund for the Tallawanda High School turf field replacement project. The board also approved a quote from AVI Systems for interactive classroom panels and a Paxos (PACS) quote for the 2025–26 school year. Roll-call votes recorded on the meeting record show unanimous approval for the turf contract, contingency fund, the Paxos quote and the AVI Systems quote.

On personnel, the board approved multiple hires and resignations included in the consent agenda and voted to approve a one-year limited employment contract adding a fourth high-school counselor (created by converting a retiring teacher position) and other limited contracts. The board approved a modified staffing proposal that funds two Title/reading teachers for elementary schools and a full-time psychologist or SAP (Student Assistance Program) coordinator at the middle school. That staffing addition passed on a 3–2 vote after members debated whether to delay hires pending state budget clarity.

Board members asked for and received written copies of contracts and related figures for larger hires to be included in future board packets. The superintendent and business office staff said several purchases are part of planned technology and facilities cycles and that contingency funding is to cover unforeseen subsurface issues during turf removal.

Votes at a glance
- Approval of Motes Group contract for THS Turf Field Replacement Project (Item 4I): approved (recorded roll call: Mrs. King — yes; Mr. Wyatt — yes; Mr. Mead — yes; Mr. Otto — yes; Dr. Howard — yes).
- Approval of contingency fund for THS Turf Field Replacement Project (Item 4J): approved (same roll call: all yes).
- Approval of Paxos (PACS) quote for 2025–26 (Item 4K): approved (recorded yes votes by board members listed in meeting minutes).
- Approval of AVI Systems quote for interactive panels not to exceed $53,062.50 (Item 4L): approved (recorded yes votes).
- Approval of one-year limited employment contract(s) adding a high school counselor via conversion of a retiring teacher position (Item 5A.4): approved (vote recorded: Mrs. King — no; others yes; motion passed).
- Approval of modified staffing additions (two elementary Title teachers and a full-time psychologist/SAP coordinator) (Item 5F): approved 3–2 (recorded votes: Mr. Otto — no; Mr. Wyatt — yes; Mrs. King — no; Mr. Mead — yes; Dr. Howard — yes).

Board members and staff said the district will continue to track state funding proposals and may revisit staffing if the state budget reduces aid. Several items (minutes, gifts, financial reports) were approved in grouped consent blocks.","At its March 20 meeting the Talawanda City School District board approved a contract for the high school turf field replacement, purchased interactive panels and other technology, and approved several personnel contracts. A proposal to add several new positions passed 3–2 after debate about state funding risks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Visitors bureau seeks board approval to apply for Legends & Lore roadside marker honoring Harry Toby

Talawanda Middle School reports academic gains, new supports and safety upgrades

Treasurer warns of shrinking state share; public speakers criticize voucher expansion and discipline reporting

Board approves turf contract, classroom technology and several personnel items; staffing additions approved after split vote