By Betsi Werling

Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education met on Monday, February 10. Action included financial and staffing decisions. 

The Board approved additional funding for Teacher Professional Development in the amount of $5,000. 

In Contracts, Assignments and Resignations: 

• Karna Marquart completed her training and is now approved for 7.5 hour days as an Educational Aide. 
• Gianna Mallaro is completing her teaching assignment in Guidance Counseling with Mr. Utendorf. 
• Substitute teachers were approved. 

The Board approved a resolution for work with All Temp Refrigeration to replace the chiller in the Middle School. It is 26 years old and when it needs repairs, it is becoming more costly. It is time to replace it. 

The Board approved the OHSAA membership for the 2025-2026 academic year for the Middle School and High School to participate in the Ohio High School Athletic Association. 

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There were two donations that came in to support instrumental music students in the district. Dick and Jayne McGarrity endowed a scholarship to support students in 5th grade who may not otherwise participate due to costs. This scholarship provides instruments and this year was $900. 

The other donation came from the Bluffton Community Assistance Corporation for $750. This particular donation is used to pay cafeteria bills for individual students as needed. 

Board member Jeremy Scoles provided the Apollo Report. Last week, the Apollo Board had their reorganization meeting and the Board President is Brad Spencer from Spencerville. On March 20, their new facility will be dedicated. At graduation this year, Mr. Scoles will provide brief words on the importance of Bluffton’s relationship with Apollo and all of the many ways they work together. Apollo offers CCP classes in English. Next year Math will also be an option. 

Scoles also reported on OHSAA and shared that Track and Field will go from 3 divisions to 5 for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Principal Mike Minnig shared that 28 students attended the Apollo’s 411 Blast Career Day on January 31, 2025. The Juniors will be able to take the ACT on February 25 and the staff are preparing for this event. The State Orchestra Competition will be held February 21 and Mrs.

Lewis will take students to this event. Several sports teams are in tournament play for Winter Sports. Academic Letter ceremonies will be March 12.

Middle School Principal Doug Westrick shared that the Honor Roll Breakfast was held this week and teachers greeted students to commend them on their hard work. The MIddle School will be hosting a Shark Tank Event in the coming weeks. Students will put together presentations for area business people. 

Elementary Principal Kori Bernal shared that Bakery Bingo raised $2,800 and from the 50/50 raffle $450 dollars for the new Soccer Complex being developed on Snider Rd. The Kids Heart Challenge has begun and will end on February 21, 2025. This is a fundraiser that happens every four years. A curriculum meeting was held and they have begun to discuss the Wonders curriculum for writing. Training on this will happen during the Teacher professional development day in March. 

Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that Governor DeWine released his budget which includes funding for schools. It appears that the Fair School Funding Formula was retained; however, there will be some lobbying to update inputs to more current costs.