By Betsi Werling

The September meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education included an introduction of foreign exchange students, approval of supplemental contracts and the 8th grade trip to Washington D.C., as well as staff reports.

The meeting started with the introduction of three foreign exchange students. Giulio Mazzini from Italy was accompanied by his hosts Brie and Ethan Sprunger. Giulio is participating in football. Lucie Mellon from France was accompanied by Leah Lovell. She is participating in tennis. Louis Mahe from France was accompanied by host Jamie Nygaard. He is playing soccer. 

The following supplemental contracts were approved: 

• Head Varsity Bowling - Benjamin Nye 
• Asst HS Girls Basketball - Jessica Grandey 
• Asst HS Girls Basketball - Evan Skilliter 
• Freshmen Girls Basketball - Daniel Smith 
• 8th Grade Girls Basketball - Emily Warner 
• 7th Grade Girls Basketball - Marden Herr 
• Asst High School Boys Basketball - Dana Koontz 
• Asst High School Boys Basketball - Jared Breece 
• Freshman Boys Basketball - Ethan Stearns 
• 8th Grade Boys Basketball - Scott Schnipke 
• Volunteer 7th & 8th Asst Middle School Boys Basketball - Xavier Aguirre 

Jeff Kleman received a mowing contract. Amy Roby was approved as a Substitute Aide, while Beth Ackerman was approved as a Substitute Secretary. 

The Board approved the 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip, which will take place from May 13 - May 16, 2025. 

Several individuals were approved to be Substitute teachers for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

High School Principal Mike Minnig said that the High School band would be participating in the Bath Band Spectacular this weekend. Mr Minnig shared next week is Homecoming with the parade and game on Friday. Mr Minnig also reported that several Universities have sent representatives to meet with students. Minnig reported that some Sophomores would be attending MakerFest in October to explore a variety of careers. 

The Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris shared that during teacher work days, he did a presentation on the AI Brain and using Chat GPT. Morris plans to work more one-on-one with teachers on technology matters and do some presentations similar to work day programs. He also reported that there is a new IT ticket system which will help his student workers keep track of the number of hours they are completing, which may help them professionally after they graduate. 

New Elementary School Principal Kori Bernal reported that i-Ready assessments are coming to a close and follow-up will begin, connecting students to appropriate assistance.. Bernal said that this was the first year for the Nurse Cart and that Mrs. Jebsen thought it was going well.

Bernal noted that the 4th graders had finished a service project with the Bluffton Fire Department. Looking forward, she noted that Karl’s Club will begin next week. 

Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that the Allen County Health Department was on site for a wellness day for staff. Denecker said approximately 135 people attended the September Senior Citizen breakfast. 

Board Member Jeremy Scoles reported that Apollo’s enrollment was 950 on campus with an additional 1,050 satellite students. He advised that on September 27, Bluffton 8th and 9th graders will visit Apollo. He noted that Apollo has plans to open a Criminal Justice Program next year.