The Bluffton school board took initial steps on Dec. 14 to place before voters the renewal of its one-half percent income tax levy. The levy expires on Dec. 31, 2010, according to Greg Denecker, superintendent.

When the levy expires in 2010 it will mark the end of its first three years being in effect. The levy has generated approximately $600,000 annually. According to Denecker, it is the intention of the school board to have a three-year renewal of the levy on the November 2010 general election ballot.

In other Dec. 14 action, the board accepted resignations of Jim Hines as assistant baseball coach and Nick Hines as volunteer baseball coach.

Supplemental contracts were issued to Eric Fleharty as assistant softball coach at $2,224, and to William Grandlinard as assistant baseball coach at $2,224.

Also approved was an agreement for services provided by the Northwest Ohio Computer Association Program of the Northern Buckeye Education Council.

The board adopted a new textbook for the first grade. It is "First Grade Triumph Program Reading Series."