BUCYRUS, OHIO (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Wynford’s Board of Education meeting was once again a packed house Tuesday night, with community members weighing in on the failed levy and what that means for the district, the head boys basketball coaching position, and the resignation of Superintendent Forrest Trisler.

One of those who spoke was Katie Geiger, a nine-year kindergarten teacher within the district, who expressed frustration that nine of the eleven staffing cuts made so far have been at the elementary level, with no art, library, or computer lab next school year.

“Education does not begin in the high school; it begins in preschool, it begins in kindergarten, it begins with the youngest students walking through our doors for the very first time, learning how to read, to problem solve, how to love school, and believe in themselves,” Geiger said. “Mr. Trisler told me that it isn’t a competition between buildings, and I agree it shouldn’t be — we are all Wynford. But at some point, we need to ask ourselves a difficult question: When we are making sacrifices as a district, are we making decisions that impact the greatest number of students in the fairest way possible? Because right now, many of those losses are felt at the elementary level and are happening to our youngest learners, and they’re losing opportunities that they can’t get back.”

Others who spoke expressed disappointment with how the district is handling the head boys’ basketball coaching position, stating that Coach Adam Guinther has improved the program and done nothing wrong, yet the board was considering not renewing his contract and hiring internally.

Powers also addressed the board, stating that if he were approved, he would be honored and that he has wanted nothing more than to coach at Wynford. He said that after he was turned down for the position six years ago, he was offered a job and coaching position at Seneca East but turned it down because he knew Wynford was where he always wanted to be. He also denied rumors that when he was turned down six years ago, he threatened to sue or move.

The board later approved his resignation as head boys golf coach, as they also approved him to be the next head boys basketball coach.

Another topic heavily discussed during public comment was the need to find a superintendent to replace Trisler, with calls for a thorough search to find someone who fits the district and can make decisions to help Wynford get back on track — not simply hire someone to fill the position.

Trisler will be going to the Hardin Northern Local School District.

In other news at the meeting, Lessa Smith and her staff in the treasurer’s office — Dana Rausch and Julie Schoenfelt — were awarded the Auditor of State Award and will receive it at the July meeting.

The board honored Cornerview Farms, The Amish Vault, Pelican Coffee House, Hempy Water, and Dr. Johnson with OhioHealth by nominating them for the 2026 OSBA Business Honor Roll for their overall contributions to Wynford and their service to the community.

The board accepted a $150 donation to Wynford Choir from Patricia Neff, a $1,615.50 donation from Nevada Community Church to assist with paying outstanding fees for the Class of 2026, and a $250 donation to the Wynford Drama Department to support youth education in theatre.

Breakfast and lunch prices were approved at $2.40 for elementary breakfast and $4.05 for lunch; $2.40 for middle/high school breakfast and $4.30 for lunch; and $2.40 for adult breakfast and $5 for lunch.

Of the several items removed from the board meeting agenda for possible consideration at a later time, the one that drew the most conversation was the possibility of a pay-to-participate fee set at $100. Middle school principal Brent Konkle, who previously worked in a district where this was implemented, offered to sit in on any future discussions, and several coaches in attendance requested to be included since it would also impact them and their players.

Another removed item, for which there is no official decision, was a general fee of $75 for all students in K–12 and $10 dues for ninth–12th graders. Students who attend career centers would have a $10 communication fee and the $10 class dues.

With both the potential pay-to-participate and class fees, if either is implemented, fees would be waived for students who qualify for free lunches and cut in half for students who qualify for reduced lunches.

Board member Christine Chandler questioned how these dollar amounts were determined but will ask again at a later date, as Trisler — who developed the figures — was unable to attend the meeting due to a family emergency.

No action, official or otherwise, has been or will be taken on either item until a later date and after in-depth discussion of possible ways to help the district financially.

The agenda from the meeting can be found here.

Board members encouraged community members to stay involved as they continue working to get Wynford back on track.