By Betsi Werling
Bluffton Icon reporter

The Bluffton Board of Education held a regular meeting on May 19 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting agenda is available online HERE. Actions included approval of a Leo Club for students. The board also heard reports from the elementary school, buildings and grounds, and from the board's Apollo representative.

TREASURER’S TRANSACTIONS
Treasurer Paula Parish has completed the five-year forecast required by the State of Ohio. Parrish indicated that the forecast was created without the State Budget being set. (The Icon has requested a digital copy and will report on its findings.)

The Board approves the Bluffton Public Library’s annual budget. A public hearing will be held on June 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

AGREEMENT
The Board approved the Memorandum of Agreement to create the Leo Club, a subset of the Bluffton Lions Club. 

2025 GRADUATES
The Board approved the list of graduates for 2025.

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS, RESIGNATIONS
Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that Robin McDowell will retire after 27 years of bus driving. Eric Garmatter was hired to replace most of Robin’s routes. Adrienne Gossard would be picking up the preschool bus route. Audrey Childs was approved as a Cafeteria worker for the rest of the academic year. A supplemental contract was approved for Natalie Armstrong to oversee the Leo Club. 

The Board approved the continuation of an agreement with St. Rita’s Medical Center to provide Athletic Training support for the district. 

The Board approved the contract with Allen County ESC for services including school psychologist, special education supervisor and speech therapists, as well as other “as needed” services.

The Board approved the contract with SORSA, which is a consortium where the district pays for insurance for fleet, property and liability. This year it will cost $82,673.00. 

MEETING DATES
The November School Board meeting has been rescheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. 

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
During the Apollo Report, Jeremy Scoles reported that the City of LIma held their meeting at Apollo to expose students to municipal business. There were 300 students in attendance who were given the opportunity to ask questions of civic leaders. Scoles also reported that Blaize Schwarz completed the Allen County Lima Youth Leadership program this year. Apollo will hold its Senior Honors Night for 2025 graduates on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Elida Fieldhouse. 

Scoles also shared that an OHSAA survey is seeking feedback on football having 16 teams. Track and Field will also see an increase in division sizel for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Elementary Principal Bernal reported that Kids Hope has finished for the year. The 4th Graders participated in an entrepreneurial activity and created a store to raise money. Every aspect of the business was created by the students. The 1st Graders had an author party featuring their animal reports. 

Building and Grounds Supervisor Mike Wilson reported they are preparing for summer cleaning of facilities. High School students helped to mulch the grounds and did a nice job. Mr. Wilson reported that they are working on spraying the football and soccer fields and taking care of some weeds that caused problems previously. He said early intervention will allow the fields to be restored to a good state for play in the fall. 

Superintendent Denecker noted that the Annual Budget for the State of Ohio is moving through legislation and is due by June 30, 2025.