The New Albany-Plain Local Schools Board of Education received four major presentations at its Aug. 10 meeting but took no recorded formal action on any of them, leaving key decisions for future sessions as Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine's district prepares to open the 2026-27 school year on Aug. 19.
No votes were taken.
The board heard the first reading of the district's Five-Year Forecast, a Career Pathways Audit presented by the Educational Service Center, a Student Services Update and a Campus Master Plan Update, according to the district's meeting recap. None of the four items appeared as action items requiring a board vote.
The Five-Year Forecast, a state-required financial projection, will need board approval at a future meeting after its first reading. The district has not released specific revenue, expenditure or fund-balance figures from the forecast.
The Career Pathways Audit examined the district's 16 career pathways at New Albany High School, which span fields including health sciences, engineering, business administration, information technology and arts and communication. The ESC's specific findings and recommendations have not been made public.
Nicholas takes his seat
Jeremy Nicholas was sworn in as the board's newest member at the meeting in the NAPLS Annex on North High Street, filling the vacancy left by John McClelland's resignation. Nicholas was appointed July 20 after a process that drew seven applicants. He joins a board led by president Jennifer Fuller and vice president Mark Wilson, both elected at a July 24 special meeting.
As we reported Aug. 11, Nicholas's swearing-in had been scheduled since his appointment.
Baseball champs recognized
The board also recognized the New Albany Eagles state champion baseball team. The district named Ryan Braund as head baseball coach after the title, as we reported Aug. 11.
What's next
Classes begin with a staggered three-day start on Aug. 19. The district has not published the date of the board's next regular meeting. The Five-Year Forecast will require a formal vote at a subsequent meeting before it can be submitted to the state.
