MADISON TOWNSHIP – During an organizational meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Madison Local Schools Board of Education discussed lifting some of the requirements for people who wish to address the board during a public comment period.
During a portion of the meeting set aside for the purpose, new board member Ben Holt said he wanted to see some changes in the interest of public transparency. He said he understands why the requirement to email the board president in advance was necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, when their meetings were sometimes overwhelmed with residents who wanted to discuss masking policies or return-to-class dates.
Jean Sency, board president, said she would prefer if residents simply signed in on a form prior to future meetings with their names, address and what they would like to discuss. Public participation could be set at 30 minutes, with a three-minute limit per speaker.
Holt said he would concur, if the board could extend the overall participation time when necessary, citing when staff cuts will be under discussion.
In other business, three new board members, Ben Holt, Sidorela Stani and Jessica Martin took their oaths of office. The board also elected Jean Sency to serve as president and Brian Horvath as vice president.
Jean Sency will serve as the board’s representative to the tax incentive review council, Ben holt as the legislative liaison during the Ohio School Boards Association annual meeting and Jessica Martin as the student achievement liaison during the OSBA annual meeting.
In agenda items:
• Requesting the Lake County Auditor’s Office advance taxes from the proceeds of tax levies to meet current expenses, as needed, from the period of Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.
• Authorizing the superintendent and treasurer to utilize the services of the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office as legal counsel and to designate the law firms of Peters, Kalail & Markakis Co., LPA; Rotzel & Andress LPA; Bricker, Graydon, Wyatt LLP; Brindza McIntyre and Seed, LLP, as legal counsel.
• Joining the Ohio School Boards Association at a cost of $8,293 in dues, and to renew the electronic subscriptions to the “Briefcase” at no cost and “School Management News” at a cost of $300.
• Appointing Steve Vasek in his capacity as treasurer to serve as the records officer of the Madison Local School District.
• Approving the 2026-2027 tax budget.
The next regular session meeting of the Madison Local Schools Board of Education is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Board Office, 1956 Red Bird Road, Madison Township.
Madison Local Schools Board of Education 2026 Meeting Schedule
Feb. 11 Feb. 17
March 11 April 7
May 5 May 19
June 9 July 14
Aug. 4 Aug. 18
Sept. 15 Oct. 13
Nov. 10 Dec. 15
