Little Miami Local board accepts Dan Smith's resignation, appoints Horvath treasurer pro tempore and opens applications to fill seat

The Little Miami Local School District Board of Education accepted the immediate resignation of board member Dan Smith and voted to open applications to fill his unexpired seat, a board statement read at the meeting said.

"The board recently became aware of social media posts from Mr. Smith that raised serious concerns and do not reflect the standards expected of those serving in public office," the statement said. "Mr. Smith has acknowledged that these posts were wrong and has accepted responsibility for the impact they have had." The board said it agreed that Mr. Smith stepping aside "is in the best interest of the district so that the focus can remain on serving our students and families."

At the start of the meeting a board member moved to appoint Mrs. Horvath as treasurer pro tempore for the session because board member Mr. Gonda was not in attendance; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Dave, Mandy and Diane each voted yes on the appointment.

The board outlined a process to fill Smith's seat. According to the timetable presented at the meeting, the board will accept resumes and applications through the close of business on March 20, 2026. Applicants must be at least 18 and residents of the Little Miami Local School District; the board said it intends to check that applicants are registered voters but not to collect party affiliation. Resumes may be emailed to the superintendent or dropped off at the district office at 95 East US 223 in Maineville.

Board members said they will meet in executive session on March 25, 2026, to review submitted applications and may make an appointment at that meeting. The appointed member would serve the unexpired term through Dec. 31, 2027; if that person wishes to continue they must run for the seat in November 2027 for the next two-year term.

Motions to adopt the meeting agenda, to approve the vacancy timeline and to adjourn were each seconded and passed by unanimous roll-call votes among the three attending members (Dave, Mandy and Diane). The meeting included brief announcements — including well wishes for district wrestlers headed to state and thanks to bus drivers for managing weather-related transportation — before the board adjourned.

The board said it will follow the process established under Ohio law to fill the vacant seat and will continue its work on behalf of the community.