As 2025 comes to a close, Graham Local Schools received a decision on Friday from the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals (OBTA) regarding their unvoted permanent improvement levy.
On Thursday, the OBTA ruled in favor of Graham Local Schools, reversing decisions by the Champaign and Shelby County Budget Commissions that rejected the district’s plan to reallocate five mills of inside property tax millage. The ruling allows Graham to shift those funds from operating expenses to permanent improvements.
Graham approved the reallocation in September 2025 to help address aging facilities, deferred maintenance, and long-term infrastructure needs. Because the district is near the state’s 20-mill floor for operating expenses, the change results in additional revenue dedicated specifically to permanent improvements such as building systems, transportation, safety upgrades, and other capital projects.
In its decision, the Board of Tax Appeals found that Graham followed all required legal procedures and clearly demonstrated the financial need for the reallocation through budget documents, capital improvement planning, and testimony from district leadership. The Board ordered both counties to recalculate tax rates to reflect the approved millage change.
Superintendent Chad Lensman says the full court document can be seen HERE, or on the Board of Education website.
Monday evening, the Graham Local Schools Board of Education met in regular session for the final time in 2025.
During the meeting, the Board approved a resolution to participate in the Ohio School Boards Association Legal Assistance Fund for the 2026 calendar year. The fund provides legal and financial support to districts involved in cases with statewide impact, and the board authorized the treasurer to submit the $250 participation fee.
The board also approved an agreement and a memorandum of understanding related to college credit courses, including graduate credits through Idaho State and other institutions.
Board members also received an update on the district’s strategic plan, including upcoming community listening sessions led by Deb Campbell. The sessions are scheduled for February 10 at 10:00 a.m., February 11 at 5:30 p.m., and February 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Superintendent Chad Lensman provides a comment on all of these items.
Treasurer Patrick Swan talked about the district’s budget entering 2026 and the challenges with new legislation in the House.
In other business, the following staff changes were made:
Supplemental / Additional Duties – Coaches (Date Effective)
- Chase Adams – Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach, GHS (10/27/2025)
- Richard Clark – Head Boys Bowling Coach, GHS (10/27/2025)
- Elizabeth Martin – Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, GHS (10/27/2025)
- Bryan Owen – Winter Strength Coach (.5), GHS (11/20/2025)
- Isaac Maurice – Boys Basketball Coach, GMS (12/11/2025)
- Justin Stickley – Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach, GHS (10/27/2025)
Supplemental / Additional Duties (Date Effective)
- Logan Bliss – Yearbook Advisor, GHS (8/20/2025)
- Kristen Gleeson – Vocal Music Director, GMS/GHS (8/20/2025)
- Kristen Gleeson – Concert Band Director, GHS (12/03/2025)
- Austin Huff – Student Council Advisor, GHS (12/05/2025)
- Loretta Rhodes – Fall Event Manager, GHS (8/18/2025)
- Loretta Rhodes – Winter Event Manager, GHS (10/27/2025)
- Ronald Weimer – Musical Instrumental Director, GHS (12/05/2025)
Resignations
- Jody Bowen – Intervention Specialist, GES (5/22/2026) (Resigned)
- Katie Setty – STEM Advisor, GES (11/16/2025) (Resigned)
- Craig Vasil – Winter Strength Coach (.5), GHS (11/20/2025) (Resigned)
The date of the next board meeting is yet to be determined.
