A dozen parents attended the Lowellville Board of Education meeting Wednesday to express concerns about what they believe was the school’s lack of transparency regarding the resignation of fifth and sixth grade teacher David Olson, under investigation for alleged employee misconduct.

According to a news release from Lowellville schools, the district placed Olson on paid administrative leave effective Feb. 19 pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of employee misconduct.

During the course of the district’s investigation, Olson submitted notice of his resignation effective March 12.

“The district has already implemented appropriate measures to ensure continuity of instruction and stability in the classroom for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year,” stated Lowellville Superintendent Christine Sawicki. “We truly appreciate the patience and understanding of our students and our parents as we move through this process.”

The district has not shared any specific details about the allegations.

Parent complaints centered around the failure of the administration to notify them prior to the investigation.

Parent Leslie Zetts expressed safety concerns and asked the board, “What specific actions are being taken to ensure that this type of situation does not happen again, and how will you communicate those to the parents?”

“Be transparent, that’s all we ask,” said parent Kimberly McGinnis.

In other business, the board:

* Approved financial reports, list of bills and expenses paid and payroll for February 2026.

* Approved a resolution to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorize the necessary tax levies and certify them to the county auditor.

* Approved student activity anticipated budget

* Approved unpaid leave of absence for Betsy Wilson for March 2.

* Approved the fifth-grade field trip request for Camp Fitch, Springfield, Pa., April 29 to May 1.

* Approved the contract between ACCESS and Lowellville Local School District to provide Internet access and application services to the Lowellville Local School District.

* Approved the Memorandum of Understanding with Ohio Christian University for the purposes of the College Credit Plus Dual Enrollment Program.

* Approved quotes submitted by Papa Wayne’s Lawncare LLC and to continue to provide grass cutting services and landscaping / lawn care for the 2026 calendar year.

* Accepted the resignation of fifth and sixth-grade teacher David Olson, effective March 12.

* Approved the following uses for buildings: LHS Danceline clinics (Bob Antonucci / Sara Sandora), 4-5 p.m. March 23-25, 5-6 p.m. March 26, and 3:30-5 p.m. March 27, large and small gym; Easter egg hunt (Lowellville Enrichment Group, Ryan McNicholas), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 29, football field, concession area and restrooms; and Camp Fitch parent meeting (Tracie Parry), 6 to 7 p.m. April 2, cafeteria.

*Approved rescinding athletic supplemental staff contracts for Braden Butler, baseball assistant, 6%;

Christian Myers, baseball assistant, 6%; Madison Johns, eighth-grade volleyball, 8%; and Spiro Schialdone, baseball assistant, 6%.

* Announced Juvenile Court Magistrate Gina DeGenova met with the senior class March 3 to discuss attendance expectations. Currently, 19 of 29 seniors in the building have accumulated 72 or more hours of absences. DeGenova reviewed the potential consequences if attendance does not improve.