The Vermilion Local School District Board of Education held two public meetings in June and early July to address major staffing changes, approve year-end financial actions, and formally place a $47 million bond issue on the November 2025 ballot.
New High School Principal Hired
At the June 9 regular meeting, the Board approved a three-year contract for Andrew Perry to serve as the new principal of Vermilion High School, beginning with the 2025–2026 school year. Perry, a Rocky River resident with 27 years of experience in education, introduced his wife Jane and sons John and Michael during the meeting.
“I’m really excited to be part of joining the Vermilion community,” Perry said. “I’ve already had people reach out to me with nice congratulatory emails. It’s fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it. I see this as a great opportunity to do some great things here at Vermilion.”
Assistant Principal Position Cut as Enrollment Declines
Also during the June meeting, the Board voted to suspend the administrative contract of Heather Lamers, one of two assistant principals at Vermilion High School. Superintendent Dr. David Hile later confirmed the decision was part of a reduction in force, citing declining student enrollment and the discontinuation of certain programs.
“We eliminated the assistant principal position at the high school as part of a reduction,” Hile explained. He noted that the district’s online school has shrunk to just a few students, and a work program previously overseen by Lamers was no longer being offered.
The Board simultaneously approved a three-year contract for Summer Burris to serve as Vermilion High School’s sole assistant principal beginning in the 2025–2026 school year.
Labor Contract, Staff Hires, and Budget Actions
A new labor agreement with OAPSE Local 332, covering non-teaching staff, was ratified through June 30, 2028. The Board also approved certified contracts for several new hires, including:
- Jessica Benson, SMS Science and Social Studies
- Emily Rich, SMS Intervention Specialist
- Cassiopia Brunow, VHS Intervention Specialist
- Angela Sanzenbacher, VES Vocal Music
Dozens of classified contracts were renewed, and multiple resignations, retirements, and non-renewals were processed as part of routine year-end actions.
Treasurer Justin Klingshirn reported a $7.64 million transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund in May, helping position the district for future construction or facility upgrades. That transfer caused overall expenditures to appear significantly higher than in past years, though operating costs remained stable.
The Board also renewed the district’s property and casualty insurance through Fitzgibbons Arnold & Co. for $151,881 and approved temporary appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year.
Community Support Recognized
The district accepted three donations during the June meeting:
- $182.10 from Hawaiian Ice Ltd. to the Athletic Fund
- $1,826.00 from Grace Community Kitchen to assist Class of 2025 students with fees and lunch balances
- $1,000.00 from Donald Geib to the Geib Scholarship Fund
Legislative Concerns Briefly Discussed
Board members expressed concern about several bills in the Ohio legislature. These included HB 96, which contains provisions that could impact local control over religious instruction materials, as well as bills mandating the daily Pledge of Allegiance (HB 117) and a moment of silence (HB 187). Officials noted that some of these policy changes were embedded within budget legislation without separate debate.
Bond Issue Moves Forward
At a special meeting on July 2, the Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing the issuance of $47 million in school improvement bonds. The decision formally places the matter on the November 2025 ballot. If approved by voters, the bond would fund long-term improvements to district facilities.
Next Meetings
Vermilion Local School District Board of Education
📍 Vermilion High School Commons, 1250 Sanford Street
- Monday, August 11, 2025 – 6:00 PM
- Monday, September 8, 2025 – 6:00 PM
- Monday, October 13, 2025 – 6:00 PM (tentative)
Meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted in advance at
go.boarddocs.com/oh/verm/Board.nsf/Public