CCSC Board approves personnel, grants ahead of new 2026-2027 academic year

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees took significant steps to prepare the district for the fast-approaching academic year during their July 13 meeting, addressing everything from key staffing authorizations to major capital improvements.

The evening marked the official debut of newly appointed Superintendent Dr. Stacy Mason at the helm of the school corporation.

“It’s been a wonderful start,” Dr. Mason told the board. “Everyone has been so kind and helpful, from the administrative staff to some of the teachers that I’ve already met. They’ve all answered my questions and have offered helpful ideas and solutions as I’ve started in this position. It’s been really nice to take everything in and put the pieces together to what is Cloverdale Community School Corporation.”

CCSC Board President Vivian Whitaker praised the new superintendent’s swift transition, noting Dr. Mason was put to work almost immediately.

“You’ve passed your first test,” Whitaker remarked with a laugh. “Something that really shows the type of person that Dr. Mason is, I got an email from her about a week ago saying we had a pipe burst right in front of the elementary school. It was her first week on the job and she handled it very well. She even came to work on a holiday, so she already knows how to put in extra time.”

Administrative and Financial Approvals

In administrative business, the board approved an agenda amendment granting Dr. Mason the authority to hire certified and non-certified staff members between the July meeting and the board’s next session in August. The proactive measure ensures all classroom and operational roles are filled before students return.

Financial business saw the ratification of routine claims and payroll totaling $2,687,284.75, alongside the formal ratification of employment agreements for school bus drivers for the 2026–2027 term.

The corporation received positive news on the financial front with the acceptance of a grant from the Putnam County Community Foundation designated for the local program, in addition to approving an independent contractor agreement with Apex Education Services LLC. Under the Apex agreement, former Cloverdale Superintendent Greg Linton will serve as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy.

Infrastructure, Handbooks and Technology

District leadership addressed ongoing facility projects, specifically the construction at the high school football field and track facility. Due to monetary adjustments, the board authorized Dr. Mason to publish updated notices regarding the revised project timeline.

Updated student handbooks for pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school levels were approved for the upcoming school year. Mrs. Ames noted that these revisions were driven by new legislative mandates and operational updates, while also previewing the upcoming back-to-school bashes and open houses scheduled for August 3 across all three district buildings.

On the technology front, district personnel introduced Carolyn Myers, who joins the team to manage approximately 1,800 student Chromebooks. District officials noted they are also actively searching for a new technology support specialist following the resignation of Mr. Braden from FiveStar, who is leaving his position to serve in the U.S. Air Force.

Personnel Matters

High School Principal Sonny Stoltz introduced Carolyn Meyers as CHS’s new special education teacher.

“Carolyn has a really strong background in special education and Ag,” Stoltz said. “She’d tell you she’s ready to start teaching right now. We left no stone unturned in this search, and we certainly found a gem in Carolyn, so I just want to welcome her to the Clover family.”

In additional personnel actions, the board approved:

New Hires
Aubree Grundloch – CMS special education teacher
Desiree Baxter – CMS special education teacher
Carolyn Meyers – CHS Special education instructor
Kennedy Clark – CES instructional assistant to Neuro Lab support staff
Tammy Dulworth – CMS full-time custodian
Deborah McPeak – Bus aide

Coaching Resignation
Jason Frye – CHS assistant varsity football coach

Coaching Hires
Aubree Branigan – CHS head junior varsity volleyball coach
Christian Conkling – CHS assistant football coach

Coaching Volunteer
Chase Haltom – CHS boys’ basketball volunteer assistant coach

The board concluded the public meeting with facility maintenance updates before adjourning to an executive session.

The Cloverdale School Board—which includes Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann, and Mike Rightmyer II—is scheduled to reconvene for its next regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building.