Principal's retire-rehire approved by narrow margin

By Betsi Werling

The Bluffton Board of Education held its monthly meeting at 5:00 p.m. on June 30. The meeting agenda is HERE.

During the visitors portion of the meeting, Jessica Hermiller, Director of Bluffton Public Library, shared her disappointment with the loss of the Middle School Library. This summer, the space is being repurposed as a technology center. Ms. Hermiller shared that the Bluffton Public Library has historically supplemented the Middle School Library and now without a library in the Middle School, it may shift student needs to the Bluffton Public Library. 

Superintendent Denecker responded that the number of books being checked out had decreased significantly. The collection will be divided among the middle school classrooms. The goal is to get the books in the hands of students more easily. Denecker indicated that there is a fund for books, so if students are waiting a long time to read a popular book, multiple copies may be purchased. 

Nancy Yeager, a Bluffton Public Library Board member, shared similar concerns and wanted to know if there would be changes to the Elementary Library. Denecker responded that the Elementary library would not be affected. 

TREASURER'S TRANSACTIONS

The board approved the Bluffton Public Library Budget for the year starting January 1, 2026.

Also approved were temporary appropriations of $18M and ten fund adjustments. An amended certificate of estimated resources was requested from the Allen County Auditor (pages 3-4).

At the Icon's request, treasurer Paula Parish provided a description of FY2026 Temporary Appropriations, attachment pages 10-11. 

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

The resolution to retire-rehire Mike Minnig as the High School Principal position was approved by the board with Roni Kaufman and Jeremy Scoles voting no and Alice Basinger, Brad Dailey and Wes Klinger voting yes.

The following items were approved: Jake Staley resigned from First Grade and Jessica Parke was hired to replace him and she comes from Arcadia. Julie Wolfe retired from the Cafeteria and Audrey Childs will replace her. Other contracts approved were for the Elementary Summer Academy and High School Summer School. 

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation routing plans were approved for all permanent and substitute drivers.

DONATION
A donation of $150 was given by the American Legion Post 382 for the Memorial Day event. 

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PRICES

Breakfast and lunch prices have been set at the same rates as last year. Breakfast prices for students are $1.50 and adults are $2.00. Lunch prices are Elementary, $2.50, Middle School, $2.50, High School, $2.75 and adults, $4.25. Changes in funding could impact lunch prices.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Superintendent Denecker shared that the schools were awaiting Governor DeWine’s line item vetos. He will have a more substantial report in July once the state budget is finalized. The three school offices will be closed for the month of July; the Superintendent’s office will be open.

ADJOURNMENT
The Board entered an Executive Session to discuss yearly evaluations of the Treasurer and Superintendent as well as other employment matters.

The next meeting of the Bluffton School Board is at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21 in the Elementary School media center.

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