Board of Education Meeting - 01/12/2026

The Big Walnut Local Schools Board of Education held an organizational meeting on January 12, 2026, where they swore in new board members and elected board leadership positions. The board approved the 2026 meeting schedule, with a plan to hold meetings on Mondays through July and shift to Wednesdays starting in August. They authorized the superintendent and treasurer with various operational duties, including purchasing authority with a $50,000 limit on blanket purchase orders. The board approved a $2.6 million contract with Miles Mlelen Construction Company for the Bothman Street renovation project to convert the building for preschool use, part of a broader facilities improvement plan. They also approved soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) from consulting firms to develop a comprehensive strategic plan, though this item was tabled for further discussion. Additional procurement-related actions included approval of extended field trips, acceptance of donations, approval of "then and now" purchases, and various personnel contracts and resignations. The board discussed agenda release timing and meeting dates to improve public access and participation. Overall, the meeting focused on organizational governance, capital improvement contracting, strategic planning procurement, and operational authorizations.