By Paula Scott

Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education held its February 20 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Elementary Media Center. The meeting was called to order by Board President Brad Dailey. All members were present including Larry Hoffman, Roni Kaufman, Wes Klinger and Jeremy Scoles.

Approval of the agenda, minutes and reports was unanimous without discussion.

INVOLVEMENT OF VISITORS
Icon editor Paula Scott stepped out of her role as a reporter to share an email she sent to board members earlier that day. Scott noted that local residents had attended a recent Bluffton council meeting to express concerns about pedestrian safety on Main St., especially near the High School. She described a Catch-22 situation: the location needs more pedestrians to be considered for a traffic signal, but is avoided because it is considered dangerous.

Scott pointed out two ideas for increasing pedestrian use of the crosswalk: providing a crossing guard after school and requiring student drivers to park across from Harmon Field.

She directed the board to information about a HAWK signal, a pedestrian activated red light.

The board discussed the current school policies including directing elementary students away from the intersection.

TREASURER’S TRANSACTIONS
The Board approved fund adjustments due to increased revenue:Permanent Improvement Fund increase of $100,000.00 to be spent as follows:

 Elementary School Building Improvements - $50,000.00

High School Building Improvements - $50,000.00

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS, RESIGNATION & ETC
The board approved the resignation/retirement of Mardy Herr, effective June 30. Herr has worked for 23 years with the district, first as a teacher, then as the technology coordinator beginning in the early 2000s.

Debra Sprunger will also resign/retire effective October 4, 2023. Sprunger has worked for the school district for 34 years.

The following substitute teachers were approved at $95.00 per day taught, for 2022-2023: Cierra Ackerman, Brittany Alvarado, Rachael Harbaugh, Gail Harmon, Morgan Henderson and Elizabeth Werling.

Also approved:

Substitute Educational Aide Contract at $12.00 per hour worked 2022-2023: Patricia Shaner.

Long Term Substitute (20 days at $95.00; balance at BA-0 rate) 2022-2023: Joanna Gratz  – Effective January 18, 2023, Sarah Shank – Effective February 8, 2023.

Supplemental Contracts 2022-2023:

High School Assistant Track, Shawn Ribley

High School Assistant Track, James Tabler

Volunteer High School Assistant Track, William Thiesen

Assistant Baseball, Jason Granger

Head Middle School Baseball, Matthew High

Assistant Middle School Baseball, Scott Kidd

Head Middle School Softball, Lilly Tate

Assistant Softball, Tyler Smith

Assistant Softball, Kaitlyn Prater

Volunteer Assistant Softball, Jon Inniger

Volunteer Assistant Boys Tennis, Chris Ackerman

Assistant Middle School Track, Jeffrey Richards

Supplemental Contracts 2023-2024:

High School Football, Jeffrey Richards

Head Boys Soccer, Daniel Lee

Head Girls Soccer Jamie Mehaffie

Head Golf Brad, Prater

Head Girls Tennis, Jennifer Allgire

Head High School Volleyball, Kevin King

Head Cross Country, William Theisen

Head High School Cheerleading, Chase Koontz

OCEAN FOCUS FIELD STUDY TRIP
Bluffton Exempted Village Board of Education approved the high school Ocean Focus Field Study trip to Florida Keys for June 5, 2023 through June 13, 2023. It was noted that the board must approve all overnight trips.

OHSAA MEMBERSHIP
The board authorized membership of the Bluffton Middle School and High School in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2023-2024 school year.

SATELLITE AGREEMENT
The board approved an agreement with the Apollo Career Center to create and operate career-technical programs at Bluffton High School for the 2023-2024 school year.

AMOUNTS & RATES RESOLUTION
The board approved Amounts and Rates as determined by the Budget Commission.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
The board heard updates from Elementary School Principal Ben Thiel, Middle School Principal Josh Kaufmann, High School Principal Mike Minnig and Superintendent Greg Denecker.

Board member Jeremy Scoles reported on his first meeting with the Apollo Career Center board and noted that Apollo will be adjusting its calendar to better align with the 11 member districts. This may mean Apollo will be in session during some or all of the Allen County Fair.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 8:06 p.m. the board entered a closed door Executive Session to discuss employment.