SALEM – The school board Monday approved the filing of complaints with the Columbiana County Auditor against the property valuations of several parcels within the school district.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5715.19 (A) permits a board of education to file a complaint with the county auditor challenging the valuation of a property it does not own within the district. These counterclaims are filed as the reduction in value of these properties will cause a corresponding decrease in the amount of property tax collected by the district, and argue that a recent sale price higher than their tax year 2022 value more accurately reflects the market value of the properties.
Treasurer Mike Douglas said that previously the district could act directly in such matters, but following recent legislation approval by the school board is necessary to file these complaints. Douglas also said the district’s attorney reviews any such valuation changes and advises the district before any action is taken. Douglas also said the majority of the properties were business parcels rather than residential.
Properties listed in the complaints include: 2699, 2789, and 2124 E. State St., 435 W. Wilson St., and a parking lot on state Route 14 northeast of Cunningham Road.
The complaints list the properties located at 2699 and 2789 E. State St., and the parking lot, owned by Akron based BL2 LLC, as being given a tax value of $2,651,300 in spite of having sold for $3,175,000 on July 2, 2021; the West Wilson Street property, owned by Texas based BRN Mustang LLC, as being valued at $1,258,200, in spite of having sold for $1,258,200 on March 1, 2021; and the property at 2124 E. State St., owned by a Florida based ExchangeRight Net-Leased Portfolio, as being valued at $1,868,200, in spite of having sold for $6,271,186 on Nov. 12, 2021.
Several personnel items were also approved including: the retirement of Kelly Janofa as a teacher effective May 31 following 32 years with the district; the appointment of Kristy Erb as 504 Compliance Officer; maternity leave for Gabriella Allen beginning approximately May 5 through June 1; staff for the Reilly Elementary Yoga Club to run after school from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. March 8, 15, 22 and 29; the appointment of Lucie Waty to the Council on Standards for International Education Travel Exchange students for the 2023-2024 school year; athletic supplementals for the 2023-2024 football season; athletic supplementals for head varsity girls soccer coach Matt Freeman, head varsity boys and girls cross country coach Teddy Yuhaniak, varsity assistant boys and girls cross country coach Kathi Hopple, 7th and 8th grade head boys and girls cross country coach Russ Hopple, boys head golf coach Rick Istnick, head varsity cheerleading advisor Jordan Archer, 9th grade cheerleading advisor Natalee Miller, faculty manager Matt Ziegler, football weight room supervisor Ron Johnson, and volunteer assistant track coach Lex Murray; and workers for spring sporting events and district track and field meets.
Advocacy Center for Children’s Educational Success with Standards contracts for fiscal year 2024 were also approved.
In his report Superintendent Sean Kirkland congratulated the cast and crew of Salem High School’s recent production of “Mama Mia!” for the incredible quality of their performance and the hard work that went into bringing it to life. Also announced was the grand opening of the in-house “Quaker Clinic” medical center 11 a.m. March 27.
Kirkland also wanted to wish former superintendent and Board Member Dr. Joseph Shivers Happy Birthday for his 75th birthday Wednesday.
