School board approves Tim Closson retire-rehire contract
On Monday, Bluffton school board accepted the resignation of Tim Closson, elementary principal effective June 30, and his rehire beginning Aug. 1. In August his salary will be reset at $70,000.
Greg Denecker, Bluffton superintendent, told the Icon that if Closson remains as principal for five years the school system will get one year free plus an average savings of over $14,000 per year.
In addition, two new hires were approved for next school year on Monday.
Contracts were issued to:
• Kate Bauer, high school English, 1-year contract, $33,557. She is a recent University of Findlay graduate.
• Elizabeth Smith, guidance counselor, 1-year contract, $60,000. She comes from the Lima City Schools.
ALL BOARD ACTION IS IN THE BOARD AGENDA ATTACHED AT THE BOTTOM -
Twenty-three supplemental contracts for next school year were approved. These include coaching positions and one assistant band director contract.
Contracts and assignments also approved follow:
• Two substitute teachers
• One substitute educational aide
• One Saturday school supervisor
• One home tutor
• One student teacher assignment
The 2017 list of Bluffton High School graduates was approved.
In other action, the board set the Bluffton Public Library budget hearing from 7:30 p.m., Monday, June 26.
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Friday, October 30, 2026
- Main St. runway for Trick or Treaters
- October 30 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- What Kind of Paradise author joins book club by Zoom, Nov. 4
- Check out November 2026 events at Bluffton Public Library
- Scarecrow voting ends at midnight, Oct. 31
- Annual meeting and dinner for Senior Center members, November 9
- November 2026 Community Meals at the Senior Center
- Pirate girls soccer edged in shootout by Big Green in district final
Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 29
- Bluffton chamber welcomes six new members in October 2026
- Scam talk with Chief Ryan Burkholder
- Apollo Career Center honored as Gold Star Institution
- Peanut brittle time at the Senior Center begins Nov. 9
- Bluffton University Forum explores faith, hope and care for creation
- Business Collective networking night, Nov. 5
- Radio play staging of It's a Wonderful Life on Nov. 29
- Test-to-Treat not Trick-or-Treat
- If only we could put these fall days on pause