WOODVILLE, Ohio — The Woodmore Local Schools school board Thursday passed a resolution not to renew a contract with embattled Woodmore Middle School principal Kevin Ball.
The board voted on the issue unanimously and without discussion after a 10-minute executive session that followed a 20-minute public-comments session, during which a few people took the floor to speak in support of Mr. Ball.
“We are observing in real time the unjust and expedient removal of our middle school principal, whom, until quite recently, has had absolutely glowing evaluations and success in our district, ” said Eric Czech, father of three Woodmore students. “... Over the last 12 years, Mr. Kevin Ball has done nothing but improve this district.”
He was one of about 300 people who attended the regular board meeting, which was held at the school gym in anticipation of a larger audience.
Another parent, Theresa Nitkiewicz, who took the floor minutes later, struck a similar note, saying that any accusations against Mr. Ball are “baseless.”
“He is a fantastic community member and a very dedicated educator,” Ms. Nitkiewicz said in a follow-up interview, before the board voted. “... [Not renewing a contract with him] would be reckless and it would be irresponsible of the board.”
Mr. Ball was told in April that his contract, which expires July 31, was not going to be renewed.
While officials have not publicly discussed the reason, a review of the principal’s personnel file revealed a recurring pattern of concerns about discipline, or the lack thereof, in the middle school. It culminated in February when a student was expelled for multiple instances of racial bullying.
As word of his pending departure became public last month, dozens of students at the middle school staged a walkout during the school day on April 26, and yard signs in support of Mr. Ball started popping up throughout the community.
Additional materials obtained from Woodmore Schools this week show Mr. Ball received a written reprimand from Superintendent Mary Schaeffer on May 1. In the letter, Ms. Schaeffer indicates Mr. Ball met with students April 25 and told them he was likely going to lose his job.
The superintendent described his actions as “highly inappropriate” and said “that information should never have been shared with students.”
In a written rebuttal to his recent performance evaluations, Mr. Ball said his “discipline approach was consistent with the previous year,” when he was identified as “skilled as a leader” in his final evaluation in the spring of 2023. Copies of the rebuttal were handed out Thursday to the meeting attendees.
On Thursday, the bulk of those present at the meeting filed out of the gym immediately after the vote, with some yelling out “shame” and “disgrace” as at least a couple Woodville police officers looked on.
Mr. Ball was not present at the Thursday meeting.
He was placed on paid administrative leave at his own request on May 5. In the letter acknowledging the leave, Ms. Schaeffer instructed Mr. Ball “to remain at home during normal school business hours and to be available, via telephone, to answer questions and otherwise perform work” as requested.
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