Several ILHS/OHP FFA students were spotlighted for their achievements this school year by Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood, pictured at the right. Alex Kinney, left, was recognized for scoring second in the state for Fruit and Nut proficiency. State FFA Degree recipients include, from the left, Jessica Savage, Courtney Altstaetter and Hazel McDermit. Not pictured is fellow State FFA Degree recipient Matthew Culp. (INDIAN LAKE SCHOOLS PHOTO)
Indian Lake Board of Education members hired a new assistant principal, honored several students, approved the Class of 2026 graduate list and approved several contracts during the final regular meeting of the 2025-26 school year Monday evening, May 18.
Linsey Titus was hired to replace retiring Indian Lake Elementary School Co-Principal Pam Scarpella.
Titus has served as a third-grade teacher and member of the PBIS team for the past several years. She will take the title assistant principal. Members also accepted her resignation as third-grade teacher, effective at end of the current contract year.
Superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood gave board members details on the upcoming Indian Lake High School graduation ceremony. He explained there are 122 seniors who have met ILHS graduation requirements, not simply State of Ohio recommendations.
ILHS Commencement is set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Laker Stadium, but Dr. Underwood said they are watching the weather closely.
"The board approved the graduate list for Friday evening's graduation ceremony. We know that there's potentially some wet weather coming. We will make that decision on Thursday if we're going to be inside or outside. We are excited to get an excellent group of graduates across the stage."
The event is open to the public and tickets are not needed.
Longtime Indian Lake School Board member, Class of 2026 parent and ILHS Class of 1989 alum Chad Ross will serve as the featured speaker.
Ross is the president and CEO of Mary Rutan Health. Joining the health system in 2013, he brings experience and proven success in his previous leadership positions. Ross served as Vice President of Operations from 2013 to 2019 and Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2019 to August of 2021.
Ross received his undergraduate bachelor’s degree from Miami University, cum laude, with a double major in accounting and finance. After scoring in the top 8 percent of the nation on the law school entrance exam, he enrolled in the Vanderbilt University School of Law where he received a Juris Doctor degree in 1996.
Before joining Mary Rutan Health, Ross was a partner with the law firm Thompson, Dunlap & Heydinger, Ltd. in Bellefontaine from 2000 to 2013.
The board also approved a $13,000 donation from the Indian Lake Athletic Boosters as part of their semi-annual donation for uniforms and equipment; and $1,000 from Lewistown Trinity United Methodist Church to the Student Needs Fund.
Finally, several ILHS/OHP FFA students were honored for their achievements this school year. Four students received their State FFA Degree this spring including Courtney Altstaetter, Matthew Culp, Hazel McDermit and Jessica Savage. Alex Kinney was also honored for scoring second in the state for Fruit and Nut proficiency.
In other action, the board approved or accepted:
the following resignations: Jennifer Cooper, middle school secretary, effective May 21; Jodi Carder, elementary teacher; Lisa Hurley, 4th grade teacher; and Kay Schulze, seventh-grade teacher; each effective at the end of the 2025-26 contract;
the Permanent Improvement Fund Plan Dated May 18, 2026, and the agreement with K12 Consulting for annual Forecasting Filings;
a resolution authorizing the transfer of monies from the dormant underground storage tank fund to the general fund;
2026-27 employee contracts for bus drivers, custodians, educational assistants, food service, secretaries, and teachers; summer tutor stipends, summer professional development stipends, and bus cleaning stipends;
2026-27 special bus routes; and 2026-27 supplemental contracts;
2026-27 membership in the West Central Ohio Assistive Technology Center at an annual cost of $900;
a service agreement with the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center to provide driver’s education administration for the 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 school year at an annual cost of $10,000 per year.
The Indian Lake Board of Education’s next meeting is 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 22, in the board office.
