HANOVERTON — During her last school board meeting, Denise Rhodes was feted for her leadership of the United school board through its construction project.

Rhodes didn’t win re-election to her seat in November.

Former school administrator RuthAnn Rinto, who has served her school board term alongside Rhodes, expressed her gratitude. She noted Rhodes had been a tremendous leader, excellent communicator and consistently well-spoken.

Her other colleagues also offered their thoughts: Heather Mercer, recognizing her hard work and dedication; and Wendy Doyle talked about Rhodes’ efforts to put students first.

District Superintendent Lance Hostetler and treasurer Melissa Baker both echoed how they enjoyed working with Rhodes, who will be missed.

Doyle earlier had provided a building update, revealing that unsuitable soil was discovered in the parking lot area during construction. This will be corrected by placement of additional stone, which them will be compacted to correct the issue.

She also added that most of the exterior work has been complete.

Donations totaling more than $19,000 to various district programs, including $725.48 from S.D. Nold Inc to the welding program; $3,225 from the After Prom Class of 2027 committee to the Class of 2028′ $5,000 from the Vistra Oper Company LLC to Academic Challenge; more than $4000 to the basketball program and $6000 for the district backpack program.

The school board held a two-hour executive session near the end of their meeting to discuss employment and compensation of a public official and took no action.

Members next will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

In other action, board members approved:

— An increase in the minimum wage starting Jan. 1, which has gone up to $11 in the state of Ohio.

— An amended agreement with the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio, adding technology consulting services until June 30, 2026 to cover cybersecurity and training for the district.

— The following volunteers for the 2025-25 school year: Nathaniel Baker, Brynn Berger, John Davis, Stephen Edwards, Aaron Goodyear, Beth Goodyear, William Hendershot, David Grimes, Justin Kibler, Lukas Mattevi, Brad Morris, Chad Morris, Benjamin Muniz, Jason Pierson, Shawn Schrickel, Jarritt Skiba, Jeffery Smith, Zane Smith, Craig Straub, Courtney Suggett, Amanda Williams and Travis Wright.

— Fundraisers: two for the Art Club, one for the Cheerleaders, three for Class of 2029 and two for the UEA scholarship fund.

— A contract extension with ACCESS for internet services through June 30, 2029.

— A memorandum of understanding with the Counseling Center for mental health services.

— An out-of-state trip to Honolulu, Hawaii for the high school band to play in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and visit historical sites on Dec. 3-8, 2026. A minimum of 20 band students would need to travel on this trip.

— Employment of Iszaballa Kostenko as a custodian for one year and Danielle Wright as a certified substitute teacher.

— Hiring substitute custodians Thaddeus Bashman and Frank Ferard and substitute bus driver Brittnee Purvis.

— All fall coaches were nonrenewed.

— Hiring Karrie Varagilotti as an elementary technical advisor.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com