ENGLEWOOD — Congratulations were in order for Northmont City Schools when Superintendent Tony Thomas presented the Ohio State Auditor Award to Treasurer Ann Ferraro to kick off the school board’s April 24 meeting.

This award is presented for excellence in financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principle (GAAP) and compliance with applicable laws for the fiscal year ended 2022.

“The citizens you represent are well-served by your effective financial practices,” states the award.

Thomas also presented his Helping Hands Award to Sarah Pfeiler, Englewood Elementary School’s PTO president.

“She has been integral in supporting staff and students in a myriad of ways,” Thomas said.

On hand for the presentation were Englewood Elementary Principal Joe Johnston, Diane Schweitzer of the school faculty and third grade teacher Amy Day.

Director of Business Services Brandon Knecht gave an update on the district’s Strategy 3 Plan and Jason Watson of District Transportation presented an update on facilities.

In addition, Food Service Director Jordan Greve explained highlights of Wellness Committee activities.

“The purpose of the wellness committee is to help create a healthy school environment and promote students’ learning, growth and healthy choices,” he said.

The School District’s Wellness Policy includes: health and nutrition education, physical education and activity, school-based activities, nutrition services and promotion and family and community involvement.

Also included are two major areas of focus: healthier eating habits and increased physical activity wellness, said Greve.

“We are continuing to use results from September 2020 policy alignment and for tracking growth. Federal requirements are still being met in regard to food service snd physical activity,” Greve said.

Committee members are Greve, Health and Physical Education teacher Allison Hawker, Mental Health and Social Services instructor Nikki Tinnerman, School Health Professional Mandi Turpin, member of the public Lisa Nussman, school administrators Amy Sipes and Union Elementary Principal Kevin Grone.

In his report to the board, Thomas mentioned the following items:

The Purple Star Award — The Kleptz Early Learning Center, Northwood Elementary and Union Elementary renewed their applications to remain Purple Star-recognized schools. Other schools in the district are still military-friendly Purple Star, but they are on a different cycle to renew.

Teacher of the Year — Northmont has two teachers in the running to represent Charlotte McGuire’s State Board District as a candidate to be State Teacher of the Year.

“Congratulations to Beth Cooper and Kim Maiken for their nominations. Both are very well deserving,” Thomas said.

Franklin B. Walter Scholarship — JaKayla Harris was recognized at recent event as the recipient of the Franklin B. Walter Scholarship.

“Each high school in the county has selected a student. JaKayla is attending Harvard in the fall and is a worthy candidate for the award. She recognized Rebecca Henderson as her educator-of-influence and did a great job of explaining that Ms. Henderson set high expectations for her,” Thomas said.

The next Northmont School Board meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 15, at Northmoor Elementary School, 4421 Old Salem Road, Englewood.