GALION — The Northmor Local Schools Board of Education voted on a resolution that leaves the ability to provide certain services at the district in an uncertain state.
The board unanimously voted to terminate its contract with Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center in Mansfield when the district’s contract with the center ends Jun 30. The contract began July 1, 2017.
Northmor Superintendent Chad Redmon told the board he highly approves of the service personnel who work at Nortmor through Mid-Ohio ESC, but had other concerns.
“I’ll be candid. I have concerns with the leadership at Mid-Ohio,” Redmon said.
Redmon said he had heard Mid-Ohio ESC was getting a new superintendent and he wants to see the new leadership in action before suggesting a plan moving forward.
He said he hopes a decision may be made by March.
“The decision doesn’t have to be made until June,” Redmon said. “But that may cause issues finding related services and Mid-Ohio may not be able to fill some positions right away for Northmor.”
Services at Northmor provided through Mid-Ohio ESC include occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services and other services.
Redmon said he would like to see Mid-Ohio ESC provide stronger professional development opportunities for staff members, and he believes Mid-Ohio ESC has had issues filling Northmor’s special education needs, which he thinks needs addressed.
He said his recommendation could result in returning to Mid-Ohio ESC, but he would need to see positive changes in the meantime. He said the other option for the district would be to contract with the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center based in Tiffin and with an office in Marion. Redmon also said he believes North Central Ohio ESC may be opening an office in Mansfield.
The new contract with the selected service center would be for July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.
The board’s next meeting is Jan. 15.