WELLSVILLE — The principals for the Wellsville Village School District are wrapping up the first part of the 2025-2026 school by highlighting the positive activity happening in their school buildings during the Wellsville Board of Education meeting held Tuesday night.

Erin Clemmer, principal, Daw Elementary, in her submitted report said that the Thanksgiving feast was a huge success, with over 200 students being fed, and she thanked all the school staff, volunteers and anyone who donated for the feast. She acknowledged the following donors: Ed and Sharri Swogger, Randi Givens, Heaton’s Tire, Dan Williams, Linda Ensinger, The Soldier Samaritan charity organization, Karen Elliot, Cindy Zelasko, Gwen Murphy, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Eddie Murphy, The Pete Amato Foundation, Chris Williams, The Wellsville Clinic (ELCH), Lisa Ferguson and Tina Smith.

Clemmer noted that the fifth- and sixth-grade choir and band will perform a concert on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. in the Daw Gymnasium and with the help of Ryan Jackson, the concert will be live streamed.

She also said the school is focusing on consistency and high expectations as they head into Christmas breaks and Christmas parties are scheduled for Dec. 19.

Daw’s students of the month for December include Isabella Hill, third grade; Aiden Sears, fourth grade; Karsynn Willis, fifth grade; Gianna Mathess, sixth grade and Solomon Carroll, ESC Unit.

Shelbie Householder, principal, Garfield Elementary School, told the board that November’s attendance report showed Pre-K at 88%, kindergarten at 87%, first grade at 91% and second grade with 89% attendance, with a chronic absenteeism rate currently at 26%, which is lower than this point last year, which was 39.5%.

She noted they are keeping a close eye on this since it directly affects the state report card grade.

Householder said they implemented the Paw-sitive Office Referrals at the school as their newest initiative in which teachers or staff members can nominate a student for positive characteristics throughout the week and the students join Householder to make a phone call to their parents together to let them know of their accomplishments.

She also said that teachers continue to track student progress and are making plans for the second half of the year, utilizing data to enhance focus groups, using explicit teaching strategies and resources such as the Read Ohio Coach.

The school’ s Christmas celebrations will take place on Dec. 19, and every student will receive a book. There will be a visit from the high school’s Ebony and Ivory, school wide Christmas caroling and grade level celebrations.

Garfield’s December students of the month of Braxlee Terry and Khalessi Robles, both first grade students.

Allison Scott, principal, Wellsville Jr. Sr. High School, told the board that the school is moving into individual goal setting for the winter administration of the NWEA in January; two students, Brian Aracich and Savanah Patrick, with Jessica Sands serving as the alternate, were selected to attend the HOBY leader conference and Cooper Frank was selected as Business Advisory Council Representative for the Columbiana County ESC.

The Jr. Sr. High School is at 91% attendance as a building, grade wise, the seventh grade and 11th grades are at 93%, eighth grade is at 91 %, ninth grade is at 92%, 10th grade at 90% and 12th grade has the lowest at 87%.

The ninth and 11th grades have increased attendance by 1% compared to last month, and the seniors have decreased their attendance rate. Chronic absenteeism is currently 36.05% with a goal of 26.1%.

The school had five community partners at their most recent coffee and community event.

Scott said the school with assistance from Wellsville Police Department completed a full-scale lock down successfully

The Band and Choir Winter Concert will take place on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m.

Wellsville Jr. Sr. High School’s students of the month for December are Irelyn Roberts, Jr. High and Aleena Owens, Sr. High and Care and Share Senior of the month is Megan Coleman.

Athletic Director Kyle Exline gave a rundown on winter sports and said “Spring staffing is complete and will be up for recommendation to Mr. Cappuzzello and to the board at the next meeting, pending coach completion of remaining certificates.”

Board members approved accepting multiple donations, the sixth-grade field trip, the date of April 25 for the Jr. Sr. Prom, May 20 for the 2026 graduation and the placement of the NEOLA Policies on second reading.

For finances they approved the treasurer’ report as presented, Jan. 12 as the date for the budget hearing, bonus payments, OSBA membership renewal dues, a contract agreement with Access Council for internet services, an agreement with Buehrer Group Architecture and Engineering for advance planning services, and a transfer of funds from the athletic director account to the varsity and reserve cheer account.

For personnel, the board accepted the resignation of Sean Smith, specialist/physical education teacher, for retirement purposes effective March 23 and supplemental contracts for cafeteria monitors.

An executive session was held for a conference with an attorney for the board concerning disputes involving the board that are subject to pending or imminent court action.

The board returned to an open meeting with no action taken.

The Wellsville Board of Education meets on the third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the media center at Wellsville Jr. Sr. High School. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com