HANOVERTON — Athletics were front and center during United Local school district’s two April board meetings. 

Board members heard from David Ogilvie during their regular 7 a.m. April 2 meeting, where he provided an update on the condition of ballfields that he revealed were ready for play as well as provided an overview of the district’s HUDL program. 

Ogilvie explained that the program would transition the district to a schoolwide plan, which includes installation of AI-operated cameras in the gymnasium that automatically follow game play and eliminate the need for manual operation, allowing events to be viewable from anywhere in the country. 

Other key highlights of the HUDL program, which would go onto be approved by the board on April 8, are that the district receives 60 percent of all generated revenue from the program, receives two stationary and one portable cameras for installation in the gymnasiums as well as can use iPads with the service. 

The annual cost is $14,500, which is locked in for three years and will be paid for by the Booster Club with the Athletic Fund covering the remaining balance.

Treasurer Melissa Baker reported on the district’s clean annual audit during the April 2 meeting.  

Building principals presented their reports at that first meeting of April.

Elementary school students participated in an attendance incentive, with second grade winning with a high of 97 percent attendance for the week.

Third grade students also have expressed interest in reading to the younger students, and the Problem Solver Student Group is preparing a presentation on bullying, kindness and students experiences to wrap up the elementary report. 

At the middle school level, most of their attention as being directed to state testing and dealing with safety updates in a new building. 

While the high school principal detailed spring sports, including a state runner-up win for Austin Brown in wrestling, she talked about the accommodations made to cover the American Sign Language class, which included hiring a substitute to cover two days a week during the April 8 meeting. 

Mary Louise Sigler of Pupil and Staff Services also provided a title and kindergarten update, which detailed how 52 students have applied for Kindergarten in the 2026-27 school year and how the current Tobin Center, which falls under United Local oversight, has 25 students enrolled and she is continuing to work on grant opportunities. 

In other action, board members met again on April 8 with board Vice President Heather Mercer overseeing the brief meeting, which included various pieces of action, including modifications to the criteria for students to earn Cum laude, Magna Cum Laude or Summa Cum Laude honors to start with the 2026-27 school year as well as hiring as  David Ogilvie as the district’s new athletic director and dean of students effective Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029.

Ogilvie also serves as the head football coach for United Local High School. 

Board president RuthAnn Rinto and board member Lenny VonFeldt were absent for the April 8 meeting, where board members approved:

— Contracting with Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company for student accident insurance for the 2026-27 school year. 

— Renewing their contract with The Nutrition Group for operation of the food service program. 

— Enrolling in the Sheakley/Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Savings Program at a cost of $698.

— Agreements with Summit Educational Service Center for audiology services effective next school year; HUDL between March 30, 2026 and Aug. 10, 2029 for the AI camera technology in the district gymnasium; and Gandee and Associates for consulting services and removal of asbestos materials from an existing classroom within the bus garage; Applegy at a cost of $4000 for one year to provide website support and mobile app development. 

— An overnight trip on April 29 through May 1 to an Ohio FFA state convention in Columbus for 24 district FFA members. 

— Awarding contracts to the following certified staff members for the upcoming school year: Tyler Ewing, Matthew Fowler, Natalie Motts, Erica Noel, Sarah Pigza, Karrie Varagkiotti, Kristin Hepner, Emily Leitza, Karesia Sisco, Jason Thompson, Beth Baker, Misty Eichler, Isabella Larch, Aimee Marshall, Jenna May, Kimberly Salmen, Marina Varley and Connor Wright. 

— Awarding contracts to the following classified staff members for the upcoming school year: Justin Clark, Tabatha Colian, S. Louann Cope, Sarah Dustman, Angela Hampson, Isabella Kostenko, Lyne Mercer, Vinton Milbank, Carrie Pierson and Amanda Wilson. 

— Awarding certified extended time to the following certified staff members who work days beyond the regular school year for 2026-27: Tyler Gentry, 30 days; Katie Davidson, 20; Erica Noel, 20; Lorraine Raymond, 18; Samantha Muniz, 12; Kristine Urmson, 9; and Susan Laughlin, 5. 

— A contract for temporary services at $250 per day for Jacqueline Mercer as an American Sign Language teacher two days a week through the remainder of the school year. 

— The following student fundraisers: The sale of blankets by the cheerleaders and rain jackets for track as well as the acceptance of electronic donations via Snap Raise to benefit the volleyball team. 

— Adam Stryffeler as an athletic volunteer for the 2026-27 school year. 

— Accepting of $350 in donations  to benefit the Student Initiative Club, eighth-grade Washington D.C. trip and a career-based field trip from Hull’s Super Duper, the Eagles and the Burd family.

The next scheduled United Local school board meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, April 27 in the administrative conference room to approve the contract for the Ag building renovation.

The board will next hold its regular meeting at 7 a.m. Thursday, May 7 in the administrative conference room. 

June board meetings were changed to Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 24 at 8 a.m.