AC-WH JVSD BOE approves staffing
The Ashland County-West Holmes Joint Vocational School District Board of Education gathered for its regular meeting on May 22, where it recognized outstanding students and staff, approved new contracts, and celebrated the generosity of local businesses.
The board honored several students for their achievements. April’s Student of the Month recipients were Daniel Willems, a junior in mechanical engineering and criminal justice from Quaker Digital Academy; Ayden Frazee, a senior in HVAC/R from Hillsdale High School; and Amanda Boss, an adult education phlebotomy student. The May Adult Education Student of the Month was Heather Clifton (medical assisting), and the June honoree was Emily Easterday (welding).
Keaton Murphy, a senior in early childhood education from Ashland High School, was named Student of the Year, and Hamdi Nefzi, an HVAC/R student, earned Adult Education Student of the Year.
Staff honors included the Pentagon Award, presented to Rick Brindley; Teacher of the Year, awarded to Shannon Donelson; and Support Staff of the Year, given to Rachel Bixler.
Students achieving perfect attendance for the 2024-25 adult education year also were recognized. Twenty-four students were inducted into the 2025 National Adult Education Honor Society.
In financial matters, the board approved the April financial report, minutes from the April 17 meeting and insurance premiums for fiscal year 2026. It also accepted the five-year forecast update and the highest bid for a student-built house.
The board approved multiple personnel contracts for the 2025-26 school year. A host of full-time certified personnel including instructors in criminal justice, welding, cybersecurity, construction technology and more received contracts ranging from one to five years.
Numerous educators also were given supplemental contracts for IEP planning and technical club advising across FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA and Ohio Hospitality. A limited classified supplemental contract was awarded, and administrative contracts were approved.
Additional hires included full- and part-time classified staff such as cafeteria workers, aides, secretaries and paraprofessionals. The board also named nine individuals as district drivers for the upcoming school year.
During the meeting the board accepted donations for the 2024-25 Gloves and Goggles event from 11 local sponsors. Contributions included $3,000 from Hammond Construction, $1,250 from PCA of America and gloves valued at $1,200 from Adena.
The next regular board meeting is set for June 19 at 6 p.m.