By Paula Scott

On Monday, November 20, the Bluffton Board of Education meeting included two visitors, 7th grader Jaylen Guest–who is a volunteer technology assistant–and incoming member Alice Basinger, who will take her seat on the board in January. The agenda included approving the Ocean Focus field trip and submission of a renewal tax levy for the March 2024 ballot.

The meeting was conducted by president Brad Dailey and the board unanimously approved the agenda, minutes, treasurer’s transactions and action items. A packet is attached HERE.

TREASURER’S TRANSACTIONS
Treasurer Paula Parish provided information on the $18,750  Athletic Tournament Fund and a Five-Year Forecast (attachment page 15) which is present twice a year.

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS & ETC.
Seven substitute teachers, a substitute educational aide, three cafeteria workers, two Ohio Northern student teaching assignments and eight supplemental coaching contracts were approved.

OCEAN FOCUS FIELD STUDY  TRIP
The board, which must approve all student overnight trips, okayed the March 25-April 2, 2024 Ocean Focus Field Study trip to the Florida Keys.

RESOLUTION
The board passed a resolution to proceed with the submission of a renewal tax levy to appear on the March 2024 ballot. 

DONATION
The board accepted a $100 donation by Mona Reichenbach to be used for the strings music program in memory of Deb Herr.

APOLLO CAREER CENTER REPORT
Board representative Jeremy Scoles provided an update from the October Apollo board meeting. He noted that the high school is starting a Buckeye Boys State and Buckey Girls State program, that Bluffton student Ava Smallcombe is featured in a Makerfest video and that enrollment for next year begins on December 1.

STAFF REPORTS
The board also heard administrative reports from the elementary, middle and high school principals, and maintenance supervisor. Technology coordinator Courtnee Morris introduced one of “Morris’s minions,” Jaylen Guest, who talked about providing teachers with tech support during his 3rd period. There is a new tech ticket system that streamlines the process of requesting and receiving assistance. But as Guest noted, it’s always easier to explain problems in person.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held in the Bluffton Elementary School media center at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 18.