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BELOIT -- The West Branch school board approved two new lease agreements for the Knox school building during its September meeting.
The board unanimously approved two new lease agreements with Small Wonders Daycare and the Columbiana County Educational Service Center to utilize facilities at Knox for the period of Sept. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2031.
Schools Superintendent Matthew Manley said that between the rentals and the district's own pre-school, all but two classrooms at Knox will be in use. He also said that more than 240 children will be in the building daily during the school year and approximately 80 students per day during the summer.
Manley said the agreements are renewals of the district's existing partnerships with a longer term than in years past. He said the longer term will give the district a consistent source of income and will bring the contracts in line with the term of the district's proposed five-year, 1-mill permanent improvement levy if it is approved by voters in the upcoming general election on Nov. 3.
"We've been going year-to-year, or maybe for two years at a time. Both organizations said they would like to stay at Knox longer. So, we met and agreed on a five-year term, which I think gives some stability as we move forward, especially with a levy being five years in length. That way they would kind of match up," Manley said.
In a press release issued following the meeting, the district said that the agreements "allow West Branch to maintain strong working relationships with organizations that support children and families throughout the community." The release also stated that "continued use of the Knox building by these organizations reflects West Branch's commitment to making thoughtful use of district resources while maintaining partnerships that benefit students and families"
"We are grateful for the strong relationships we have built with both Small Wonders and the Columbiana County Educational Service Center. These organizations provide valuable services to children and families, and we are pleased to continue working alongside them in a way that benefits everyone," Manley said. "By sharing space and resources, we are able to strengthen the services available to families while also creating a positive financial benefit for the district."
The board also approved several personnel and administrative items.
Personnel matters approved included: a job description for an auditorium technician; the appointment of Mike Helm as an athletic department volunteer for the 2026-2027 school year; and the retention of AmeriCorps tutors for the 2026-2027 school year through the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio at a cost not to exceed $10,000 per tutor.
Administrative matters approved included: an agreement with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center to provide OT Instruction for the 2026-2027 school year; bus routes for the 2026-2027 school year; an agreement with Cherokee Rose Residential to provide student transportation for the 2026 -2027 school year; permission for the 8th grade field trip to Washington, D.C. on May 26-28, permission for two FFA teachers and 25 students to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on Oct. 21-24; and permission for the West Branch High School Band and Young and Alive to perform at Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Florida from March 12-17; the adoption of special education model policies and procedures in accordance to state and federal mandates; continued membership in the Ohio Schools Council, Stark County ESC, and Advanced Purchasing Company and their cooperative purchasing programs for the 2026-2027 school year; and the award of cafeteria bids for the 2026-2027 school year.
The board of education will meet next at 6 p.m. on Oct. 19.