INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES
Regular Meeting of March 17, 2026

A regular meeting of the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District Board of Education was held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., in the Indian Hill Community Room, 6855 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243, in accordance with notices sent to each member. Mr. Tullis, President, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., and roll call showed the following members as present:

Mr. Marx		Mr. Schweikert Mr. Tullis

Mrs. Singh Mr. Warfel

Also present were Melissa Stewart, Jim Nichols, Mick Davis, Alex Grzegorzewski, Melissa Burgess, Andy Gruber, Jennifer Teiss-Smith, Cash Hayden, Elizabeth Ruebusch, Cristina Smith, Alex Fries, Jackie McCarthy, Mark Richardson, Jennifer Anders, McCristy Gould, Karen Anderkin, Jenny Burton, Amy Clark, Brian Phelps, Nate Eigher, Kristi Booth, Erica Leppert, Jeff Damadeo, Heather Higdon, Danielle Lintz, Whitney Buell, Eric Cimini, Dylan Dykes, members of the Indian Hill High School Indoor Track Team, and others.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Indian Hill High School Track Team led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

ADOPTION OF REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA (032601) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mrs. Singh to adopt the agenda of the regular business meeting of the Indian Hill Board of Education. All members present voted aye. Motion carried.

PRESIDENT’S ITEM – Mr. Tullis began by recognizing staff members for their calm and effective response to a recent bomb threat, emphasizing pride in how the district handled a frightening situation. The board then described a thorough,
community-driven process to identify the qualities desired in a new superintendent, highlighting the importance of a caring, relationship-focused, servant leader. Based on this process, they announced Dr. Melissa Stewart as the new superintendent, citing her long service, professionalism, and strong leadership.

APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT WITH DR. MELISSA STEWART (032602) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx to adopt the Superintendent contract for Dr. Melissa Stewart, as presented:

Roll call was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

PUBLIC COMMENTARY – None

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monthly #LeadNow Video: IH Arts Conservatory

We congratulate the Indian Hill High School students who delivered an outstanding performance at the DECA State Career Development Conference (CDC). A total of 104 Indian Hill students competed against peers from across Ohio, demonstrating excellence in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship. Their efforts resulted in 35 finalists and an impressive 25 state champions, many of whom earned qualification to advance to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC)—DECA International Career Development Conference—the organization’s highest level of competition.

We congratulate Indian Hill High School’s Mock Trial Team One for advancing to the Ohio Mock Trial State Competition following an outstanding performance at the regional competition last month. Out of 20 teams competing in the region, only five advanced, including the Indian Hill High School team. Indian Hill Mock Trial Team One members include JC Chen, Gea Eshleman, Ethan Brown, Oliver Netherwood, Devyanshie Rautela, James O'Driscoll, Olivia Zhao, Betsy Grant, and Anya Freed.

We celebrate students from Indian Hill High School and Indian Hill Middle School who delivered an outstanding performance at the recent Ohio Junior Classical League (OJCL) Convention, earning third place overall out of 22 schools. The annual convention brings together Latin students from across Ohio to compete in a wide range of academic, artistic, and creative contests celebrating classical language and culture.

INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES – March 17, 2026

We celebrate the Indian Hill High School indoor track and field program after a historic weekend as both the boys and girls 4x800-meter relay teams captured State Championships at the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches (OATCCC) Indoor State Track and Field Championships held at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.

On the weekend of February 20th our IH Arts Conservatory presented the musical The Pajama Game. Congratulations to theater director, Stacy Searle, for her exceptional debut with this legacy musical. The student displayed incredible talent both on and off the stage to bring the production to life. Our next musical performing is the Middle School show of Finding Nemo on the weekend of March 20th.

On Saturday, we held the Donut Stop the Music fundraiser for instrumental music. It was a full house as students from grade 5 to grade 12 performed. And, lots of donuts for people to enjoy. All proceeds benefit the instrumental music programs.

On Sunday the Indian Hill School District was proud to announce the inaugural inductees of the IH Arts Conservatory Hall of Fame, honoring alumni and educators whose achievements and contributions have strengthened the legacy of arts excellence in the Indian Hill community. Inductees were selected for three categories of recognition including the Rising Star Award, the Distinguished Art Alumni Award, and the Legacy Art Award; the debut inductees include Sailor Betts (Class of 2020), Tom Tsuchiya (Class of 1990), and longtime educator Steve Strider. All guests were then invited to attend Cabaret show- and BRAVO to those students who wowed the entire packed audience.

Mr. Nichols explains that student and staff safety is the school’s top priority and relies on multiple layers of security, training, and community involvement. He reviews a recent bomb threat on March 4, where staff responded quickly, law enforcement arrived within minutes, and students were safely evacuated and later reunited with families. The situation involved strong coordination between school staff, police, transportation, and food services, along with timely communication to parents. After the incident, the district began reviewing feedback and working with safety partners to improve procedures. Overall, the event highlighted the importance of preparation, partnerships, and shared responsibility in maintaining school safety.

RESOLUTION DECLARING THE IMPRACTICABILITY OF TRANSPORTATION AND OFFERING PAYMENT TO PARENTS IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION (032603) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx, to approve the following resolution:

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INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES – March 17, 2026

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS (032604) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx, to approve the following field trip:

Indian Hill Mock Trial Team One - Columbus, Ohio - 3/12/26-3/14/26 Indian Hill DECA Students - Atlanta, Georgia - 4/25/26-4/29/26

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF SUMMER HEALTH COURSE WITH A TUITION OF $375.00 PER STUDENT (032605) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx, to approve the summer health class. Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF SUMMER ENRICHMENT COURSE WITH A TUITION OF $200.00 PER STUDENT (032606) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx, to approve the summer enrichment course. Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

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INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES – March 17, 2026

PERSONNEL ACTIONS, TUITION REIMBURSEMENTS AND PROFESSIONAL MEETINGS (032607) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx, to approve the following personnel matters as recommended by the Superintendent:

Approval of Administrative Contract (2026-2027)
Cristina Smith, From Primary Assistant Principal to Pupil Services Director, 3 years, August 1, 2026-July 31, 2029, $117,344.12
Elizabeth Ruebusch, Assistant Principal, 3 years, August 1, 2026-July 31, 2029, $111,140.00

Approval of Certified Staff Contracts (2026-2027)
Erica Leppert, Pupil Services Coordinator (.60 FTE), Column MA, Step 16, $61,354.20

Approval of Continuing Certified Staff Contracts (2026-2027) Lauren Girdler, 1.0 FTE

Approval of Classified Staff Contracts/Salaries (2025-2026) Alexandria Brown, Educational Aide, $19.75/hr
Dana Wise, Bus Aide, $16.50/hr

Approval of Classified Substitute Staff Contracts (2025-2026) Richard Budin, Bus Driver
Scott Glum, Bus Driver

Approval of Supplemental/Personal Service Contracts (2025-2026) Bryan Daniel, Boys Tennis MS Assistant Coach, $3,000.00 Monika Deroussel, Track & Field Head Coach, $11,000.00
Alex Dawson, Track & Field Assistant Coach, $5,200.00 Trevor Nolan, Track & Field Assistant Coach, $5,200.00 Amy Dunlap, Track & Field Assistant Coach, $5,200.00
Bennett Koenigsknecht, Track & Field Assistant Coach, $5,200.00 Eric Bass, Track & Field MS Head Coach, $5,200.00
Ty Ignatz, Track & Field MS Coach, $3,000.00 Haley Rakocy, Track & Field MS Coach, $3,000.00 Rob Guy, Track & Field MS Coach, $3,000.00 Ricardo Hill, Playoff Pay, $150.00
Carlitos Anderson, Playoff Pay, $150.00 Rob Starkey, Playoff Pay, $150.00
Fred Tudor, Playoff Pay, $150.00 Brian Shaw, Playoff Pay, $150.00
Jonathan Higgins, Playoff Pay, $150.00 Don Louden, Playoff Pay, $150.00 Rachael Smith, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Kaitlyn Shurts, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Caleb Poston, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Kylee Sheppard, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Maddie Antenucci, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Joe Castenir, Playoff Pay, $300.00
Eric Cameron, Playoff Pay, $300.00
John Mark Williams, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Harris Foad, Playoff Pay, $300.00
John Jacobs, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Addison Ryan, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Matt Harrison, Playoff Pay, $450.00

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INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES – March 17, 2026

Allison Dicke, Playoff Pay, $450.00 Katherine Arnold, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Tyler Stansbury, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Todd Greis, Playoff Pay, $300.00 Haley Rakocy, Playoff Pay, $150.00
Julius King, OHSAA Tournament Pay, $750.00 Michell Cowherd, OHSAA Tournament Pay, $750.00 Terri Konte, OHSAA Tournament Pay, $600.00 Debbie Friend, OHSAA Tournament Pay, $600.00 Aaron Wilson, OHSAA Tournament Pay, $600.00 Nick Carpenter, OHSAA Tournament Pay, $600.00 Jeri Heckel, OHSAA Tournament Pay, $600.00 Angelo Sylvester, Spring Musical Director, $4,000.00 Phil Clary, Winter Show Accompanist, $3,500.00
Ellen Hughes, Summer Health Class, $365.00 per student with a minimum of $7,500.00 but not to exceed $10,000.00 based on student enrollment up to 30 students

Additional Rates
Kindergarten Professional Development Rate, Per Diem up to 1 hour

Retirement
Patricia McCue, Educational Aide, effective end of school year

Resignation
Carol Naro-Stephens, Bus Driver, effective 2/28/26 Bill Gruber, Technology Coordinator, effective 4/30/26
Elizabeth Ruebusch, PS Innovative Teaching and Learning Coach, effective end of school year Angelo Sylvester, High School Choir Director, effective end of school year

Tuition Reimbursements
Jenna Ervin, Xavier University, $1,485.00 Jenna Ervin, Xavier University, $495.00

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF MINUTES (032608) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to approve the minutes of the February 10, 2026, regular meeting. Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF MINUTES (032609) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2026, special meeting. Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL REPORTS (032610) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to approve the financial reports as presented for the month ended February 28, 2026. Roll call vote was as follows:

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INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES – March 17, 2026

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS (032611) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to approve the following contracts for 2025-2026 school year:

Dayton-Cincinnati Technology Services, Acer Chromebook warranty, $38,160.00 Lifeskills South Florida, Residential Lease Agreement, Student Services, $33,000.00
Blau Mechanical Inc, Middle School Hot Water Heating Boiler Replacement, $179,000.00 Forward Edge, Servers, $56,866.12
Forward Edge, Camera Licenses, $37,181.71 Forward Edge, AP Licenses, $27,387.36

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF CONTRACTS (032612) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to approve the following contracts for 2026-2027 school year:

Aramark Educational Services, LLC, Amendment #4 to the Food Service Agreement for services at the Primary and Elementary Buildings
Aramark Educational Services, LLC, Amendment #4 to the Food Service Agreement for services at the Middle and High Buildings
Scarlet & Gray, Custodial Services, 3-year contract, billing schedule as presented

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL TO PAY NOW/THEN INVOICES (032613) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to approve the payment of the following now/then invoices:

Behavioral Intervention, Student Services, $17,100.00 Capital One, Lodging - State Swim Meet, $3,489.70

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

APPROVAL OF SPONSORSHIP AND NAMING RIGHTS (032614) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to approve the sponsorship and naming rights agreement between Motz Engineering and Indian Hill Exempted Village School District. Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

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INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES – March 17, 2026

ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS (032615) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Warfel, to accept the following donations:

Entrepreneur Center, Colonel Charles Young Foundation, $1,131.84 IH Boosters, Baseball, $19,434.00
IH Foundation, Blue Boys, $7,000.00
IH Foundation, Leaders in Service, $2,500.00 IH Foundation, Digital Media, $7,200.00
IH Foundation, Seeding Success, $2,500.00
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Robinson Family Philanthropic Fund, Field Trips to the Holocaust and Humanity Center, $10,000.00
IH Boosters, Casino Night Proceeds, $17,116.00
IH Boosters, Arts/Athletics Discretionary Purchases, $18,550.00

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

NEOLA POLICY UPDATES – SECOND READING (032616) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx, to adopt the following policies as read:

5112 - Entrance Requirements

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

NEOLA POLICY UPDATES – FIRST READING

3440 - Job-Related Expenses
4162 - Drug and Alcohol Testing of CDL License Holders who Perform Safety-Sensitive Functions and are Subject to DOT Testing
4162.01 - Drug and Alcohol Testing of Employees Without CDL Licenses who Transport Students in Alternative Vehicles (Non-DOT Testing)
4440 - Job-Related Expenses 5421 - Grading
5430 - Class Rank
6220 - Budget Preparation 6320 - Purchasing and Bidding
6325 - Procurement - Federal Grant/Funds 6423 - Use of Credit Cards
6424 - Procurement Cards
6425 - Use of District Tax Exempt Certificate 6460 - Vendor Relations
6465 - Affinity, Rewards, or Other Discount Programs 7540.09 - Artificial Intelligence (“AI”)
8500 - Food Services 8600 - Transportation
8600.04 - Bus and Alternative Vehicle Driver Certification 8650 - Transportation by Alternative Vehicles

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INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT MINUTES – March 17, 2026

OTHER BUSINESS BY BOARD/ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Tullis asked if there was any other business by the Board or Administration.

Mr. Schweikert discussed the personnel committee meeting that occurred on March 5, 2026, followed by Mrs. Singh.

EXECUTIVE SESSION (032617) – Mr. Marx moved, seconded by Mr. Tullis, to move into Executive Session at 7:38 p.m.

WHEREAS, as a public board of education may hold an executive session only after a majority of the quorum of this board determines by a roll call vote to hold such a session and only at a regular or special meeting for the sole purpose of the consideration of any of the following matters:

O.R.C. 121.22(G)(1)(8) - To consider the investigation of charges/complaints against a (1) classified employee and (2) an employee under a supplemental contract.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Indian Hill Exempted Village School District Board of Education, by a majority of the quorum present at this meeting, does hereby declare its intention to hold an executive session on item(s) listed above.

Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

At 7:38 p.m., the Board went into executive session with the following persons also present:

Dr. Stewart, Mr. Davis and Mr. Nichols.

At 8:21 p.m., the Board of Education returned from Executive Session with all members present.

ADJOURNMENT (032618) – Mr. Warfel moved, seconded by Mr. Marx, to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Indian Hill Board of Education at 8:21 p.m. Roll call vote was as follows:

Mr. Marx, aye		Mr. Schweikert, aye Mr. Tullis, aye

Mrs. Singh, aye Mr. Warfel, aye

__________________________________________ Board President

______________________________________________ CFO/Treasurer

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