The Marion County R-II Board of Education convened on January 14, 2025, with Board President Jared Stewart calling the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board Member Aaron Zook was absent initially, and Board Member Aaron O’Laughlin joined via phone.
Approval of Agenda and Consent Items
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board unanimously approved an amendment to the agenda to add an update on financial signatories. The board then reviewed and approved minutes from the December 17 and December 30, 2024, meetings by a 6-0 vote. Bills were also approved by a 6-0 margin. There were no fund transfers to report, and the board discussed the monthly financials.
Reports and Updates
The Principals’ report noted that the district’s Christmas concert was a success, drawing a large audience. Students participated in festive activities during the final week of school before break, and the basketball season is now in full swing. Superintendent Savannah O’Bryan reported on upcoming board filing deadlines and updated the board on HVAC projects throughout the district.
New Business
The board approved ballot language for a no-tax-increase bond issue, which will appear on the April 2025 ballot, by a 6-0 vote. The 1.45 million dollar bond issue will fund critical roof repairs and the construction, furnishing, and equipping of new locker rooms and a weight room by extending the life of the existing bond. If funds remain after these projects, additional facility improvements will also be considered. Board Member Aaron Zook joined the meeting at 6:55 p.m.
During superintendent evaluation discussions, the board voted 6-0-1 to rehire Superintendent O’Bryan for the 2025-2026 school year, with President Stewart abstaining. The board also unanimously approved updating financial signatories, adding O’Bryan and Dulcie Stewart to all bank accounts and removing outgoing signatories.
