Twinsburg School Board Hires New Soccer Coach, Approves Major Contracts at June Meeting

Listen to our one-minute audio summary here. The Twinsburg Board of Education approved the hiring of Chase Betenson as the new varsity head boys’ soccer coach during their June 25 meeting at Twinsburg High School. Betenson, a 2014 Twinsburg High School graduate who played Division 1 soccer at Bowling Green State University, returns home after serving as assistant coach for seven years. Superintendent Kathryn Powers noted “he is delighted and so excited about leading the boys team” and “we look forward to him taking our boys soccer program to the next level.”

Track Athletes Honored for State Performance

Board President Rhonda Crawford recognized several Tiger track athletes who competed at the state tournament earlier this month. Sam finished 16th place at 400 meters, Nicole Smith finished eighth place at 300-meter hurdles with a new school record of 43.85, and the 4×4 meter relay teams placed fifth and seventh with new school records.

Summer Programs Support Students

The district continues its partnership with Twinsburg Public Library and Children’s Hunger Alliance for a summer meal program. Families can receive five days worth of lunches weekly at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Heritage Hall in Reminderville, and Twinsburg Public Library. Powers also highlighted Safety City at Wilcox Primary School, where 90 young students are learning safety tips with 25 high school students serving as mentors through a Summit County Sheriff’s Office program.

Personnel Decisions

New Hires

The board approved several new certified staff members including:

• Kathleen Yates, teacher at RB Chamberlain replacing Tom Nalepa
• Katherine Boyer, teacher at Dodge replacing Jennifer Fosnight who retired
• Sophia Lim, teacher at RB Chamberlain replacing Joshua Harris
• Marlee Peck, school psychologist for the district

For classified staff, the board hired:

• Ariel Durden as administrative assistant for guidance at Twinsburg High School
• Kizzy Frederick as administrative assistant to the principal at Twinsburg High School
• Michele Szantay as payroll administrator replacing Amy Vargo who retired

Retirements and Departures

Barry Eshelman, who served 14 years with the district, is retiring. The board also recognized departing staff members Devon Dove, Kelly Leacoma, and Sarah Marchese.

Financial Decisions

Budget Approvals

The board approved appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and temporary budget appropriations for fiscal year 2026. They also authorized $7,900 for K-12 Consulting Inc. to handle the five-year forecast during fiscal year 2026.

Major Contracts

Several significant agreements were approved:

• $459,405 agreement with Beech Brook to provide social-emotional services for at-risk and behaviorally challenged students
• $255,500 contract with Sendero Therapies Inc. for occupational therapy services
• $363,450 behavioral services agreement with ABA Outreach Services
• Transportation contracts with A.L. Safe Transportation, Education Alternatives, and Palmer Express

Public Hearings Held

The board conducted public hearings for the potential rehiring of two retired employees:

• Edward Lipnos, former middle school science teacher
• Mark Bindus, former administrator

No public comments were made during either hearing. Final decisions on their rehiring will be considered at the July 16 board meeting.

Legislative Concerns

Superintendent Powers updated the board on state legislative issues, particularly House Bill 335, which “will have catastrophic impact on our school district” if it passes as currently proposed. She thanked community members who have contacted legislators in opposition.

Looking Ahead

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Twinsburg Government Center. A special meeting is set for June 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Office.