Antwerp School Board Celebrates Service, Prepares for Summer Programs and Security Enhancements
The Antwerp Local School Board met Thursday, May 15, 2025, for a full agenda that included service awards, a financial forecast, year-end updates, and plans for summer programming and campus safety upgrades.
The meeting opened with recognitions from Vicki Smith of the Northwest Ohio School Boards Association, who presented certificates of service to two longtime board members. Sara Schuette, board president, was honored for 10 years of service, and Anita Bok was recognized for 20 years of dedication to the district. Smith encouraged board members to consider getting more involved with regional education committees and upcoming events.
Treasurer Kristine Stuart presented the April financial report, which showed receipts of $1.27 million and expenditures of $934,269. With 83% of the fiscal year completed, the district has received 91.98% of its projected revenue and spent 74.12% of its projected budget. Stuart also introduced the updated five-year forecast, noting that House Bill 96—if passed—could penalize districts with high cash balances.
To prepare for that possibility, the board approved fund transfers to create a new Capital Project Fund and Severance Fund. Although the forecast includes annual deficit spending, Stuart emphasized that the district maintains a positive cash balance with reserves close to the state-recommended 90-day level.
High School Principal Jesse Arnold reported that seniors held their graduation practice a day early due to a scheduling conflict with AP testing. The Class of 2025 graduates Sunday, May 18, and the final day for students is Wednesday, May 21, which will include the underclassman awards ceremony.
Arnold praised staff and students for their cooperation during her first year as principal and reported a lower-than-usual number of students needing credit recovery this summer.
Elementary Principal Doug Billman highlighted end-of-year activities, including the final Student of the Month awards, an AR reward picnic, and a PBIS Principal’s Party featuring inflatables and games. He reported increased enrollment in the summer reading and math program, which will serve 60 students and be staffed by two teachers.
Superintendent Marty Miller echoed praise for both principals, saying their leadership made the school year a success. He shared strong preliminary results from state testing, noting that 92% of third graders passed the math achievement test. Miller credited the district’s investment in programs like Age of Learning and a solid foundation in early grades.
Miller outlined plans for major campus safety upgrades, including a wearable alert system for staff that can notify law enforcement and internal teams in emergencies. The system will include visual indicators—like red and yellow strobes—and could be used for medical events or intruder alerts. Miller said the district is seeking grant funding to cover the cost.
The board also discussed forming a safety committee and bringing in Project Adam to train staff and conduct hands-on AED emergency response drills starting in the fall.
Other District Initiatives and Updates
• Enrollment is expected to end the year at 692 students.
• LifeWise Academy will expand next year to offer Bible-based education to all students in grades 1–12.
• Antwerp has applied for a $40,000 Small Rural School Achievement Grant to fund summer and after-school programs.
• New Chromebooks are delayed until late June; three new STS student tech workers were announced: Charlotte Hook, Elena Reinhart, and Gage Barker.
• The board was briefed on pending legislation that may ban the use of cell phones in schools starting September 1. Antwerp’s current policy is already compliant, but further updates may be necessary if the law passes.
The board approved a full list of supplemental contracts for coaches, music directors, and activity advisors for the 2025–2026 school year. Additional actions included approving:
• Summer school teachers and coordinators
• Substitute teacher pay rates
• An overnight volleyball trip to Hillsdale College
• A joint agreement for the Paulding County Opportunity Center
• The purchase of a new school bus through the Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council
The board also authorized resolutions to transfer general fund money to the Termination Benefits Fund and the Capital Project Fund in anticipation of changes in state funding law.
The meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 27 at 3:00 p.m.
