The Graham Local Schools Board of Education took several significant actions during a regular session meeting on Monday evening, including moving forward with its tax appeal, addressing public communication concerns, approving personnel changes, and acknowledging multiple community donations.

Board Ratifies Tax Appeal Actions

The Board formally ratified and approved prior actions related to the district’s ongoing tax appeal.

This includes the November 10 filing with the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals following the county commissioners’ decision to deny an unvoted permanent improvement levy. The board also authorized the continued pursuit of financial support from the Ohio School Boards Association Legal Assistance Fund and other sources to assist with the appeal.

The action reinforces the district’s intent to challenge the commissioners’ decision and seek resources to support the legal process.

District to Expand Public Participation Opportunities

Board members also discussed potential changes to the district’s public participation policy. The revised approach would give community members more opportunities to speak, ask questions, and engage with the board.

The discussion follows recent meetings in which tensions were high and residents expressed a desire for clearer explanations regarding board decisions, especially the tax appeal.

Superintendent Chad Lensman offers comments on these two subjects, as well as the rest of the meeting.

Personnel Actions

Certified Personnel – Supplemental/Additional Duties

• Logan Bliss – Winter Strength Coach (.5), GHS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Jennifer Elliott – Junior Class Advisor, GHS, effective 11/7/2025, Temporary
• Trent Fuller – Head Track Coach, GMS, effective 2/23/2026, Temporary
• Jill Jackson – NHS Advisor, GHS, effective 8/20/2025, Temporary
• Andrew Predmore – Assistant Varsity Girls Track Coach, GHS, effective 2/23/2026, Temporary
• Jacob Rogan – Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach, GHS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Craig Vasil – Winter Strength Coach (.5), GHS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Craig Vasil – Head Varsity Girls Track Coach, GHS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary

Classified Personnel – Appointment

• Christopher Boling – Bus Driver, DSC, effective 11/17/2025, 1-Year Contract
• Faith Fogle-Garrison – Aide, GES, effective 11/17/2025, 1-Year Contract
• Joyce Gastiger – Custodian, GES, effective 11/3/2025, 1-Year Contract
• Heather Leist Ryan – Aide, GHS, effective 11/17/2025, 1-Year Contract
• Carson Manley – MS Girls Basketball Coach, GMS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary

Classified Personnel – Supplemental/Additional Duties

• Matthew Crisler – Winter Athletic Manager, GHS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Matthew Erter – Girls Basketball Coach, GMS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Cameron Kettler – Freshman Boys Basketball Coach, GHS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Crista Moffet – MS Basketball Cheer Advisor, GMS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Holly Rice – Varsity Basketball Cheer Advisor, GHS, effective 10/27/2025, Temporary
• Logan White – Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach, GHS, effective 11/14/2025, Temporary

Classified Personnel – Resignation

• Michelle Bashore – Lunchroom Worker, GMS, effective 11/5/2025
• Machel Wise – Aide, GHS, effective 11/17/2025

Donations

The Board accepted numerous donations supporting cheer, athletics, the arts, school lunch programs, agriculture, and family assistance. Contributions include:

• $2,800 from Rice Transport and parents to support Cheer through a raffle.

• $100 worth of seeds from Saint Paris Hardware for the GMS/GHS Agricultural Department.

• $100 from First Church of God (Saint Paris) for negative school lunch balances.

• $1,250 from B-Sealed, LLC for an ADA-accessible swing at GES.

• $816 from Heather Douglas, family, and friends to help cover lunch charges districtwide in honor of her son, Seth Douglas.

• $100 from Scott and Janet Vulgamore to support the Athletic Bowling Program.

• Multiple food, supply, and service donations supporting GMS’ Matilda Jr. production:

  • La Granja – $825 (rehearsal meal)

  • Subway – $275 (rehearsal meal)

  • Top Hat – $200 (rehearsal meal)

  • Something Sweet – $275 (cupcakes)

  • Luna Belle’s Sweet Shoppe – approx. $200 (battery donation)

  • Lyons Catering – $100

  • Ben & Kelly Jacobs and Family – approx. $200 (lumber & supplies)

  • Chad & Shannon Lensman and Family – approx. $100 (mic headsets & makeup)

  • Kristen Gleeson and Family – approx. $400 (batteries, mic headsets, costumes, set pieces & misc. supplies)

• $400 from Wittenberg University for the High School Choir performance.

• $261.70 from Carolyn Traylor for GHS Makerspace ink supplies.

• $450 worth of hygiene products from Heather Douglas and family to support students and families in need at GMS.