Recap of December Board of Education meeting

By Betsi Werling

The Bluffton Board of Education monthly meeting took place on Monday, December 15 at 5 p.m. There were no treasurer’s transactions or visitors this month. 

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS, RESIGNATIONS
Bus driver Brian Goldsbery’s retirement was announced. After 20+ years of service, he will retire on January 30, 2026. Jack Hohenbrink will assume his route in February. The Board approved supplemental contracts for two Assistant Coaches for Wrestling. Clay Atkins will coach High School, and Ryan DeMarco will coach Middle School. There were 10 new substitute teachers approved. Student teacher Elizabeth Minturn from Ohio Northern University will work with Mary Glick. A correction was made to Amy Lehman-Mikesell’s term as a Bluffton-Richland Public Library trustee. It is a four-year term, not a seven-year term as previously approved. 

The resolution that allows for the Retire/Rehire of Greg Denecker as Superintendent was approved with two no votes coming from Jeremy Scoles and Roni Kaufman. 

LIBRARY BALLOT ISSUE
The Bluffton Public Library is requesting a one-mill tax levy to be put on the ballot in May. In 2006 and 2016, similar levies were passed for a period of 10 years. This levy allows the Library to continue the same level of services for the community. This request comes to the Board of Education because it is the appointing and taxing authority for the library. The Board approved this resolution.

LUNCH FEES DONATION
The Class of 1985 provided a $650.00 donation for Lunchroom fees. The Board approved the donation and will send a letter of appreciation.

APOLLO REPORT 

Mr. Scoles reported that December 1 is the new application opening date for Apollo, with the goal of helping students select programs earlier. On February 13, 2026, Apollo is hosting the SkillsUSA Competition. This competition allows students to be named best in their field, with the potential to go on to the national competition. 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Mike Mining, High School Principal, reported that the First National Bank sponsors a Junior Board of Directors program. Students on this board meet monthly and learn how to build a corporation, handle investments, control a budget and create a company, working with students from other area schools. This year, Bluffton is represented by five students: Ellie Bogart, Eli Lehman, Nora Matthews, Greta Myers and Wilson Steiner. 

Mike Wilson, Director of Buildings and Grounds, reported that the schools have had a variety of annual inspections: elevator, health and safety and fire. All concerns that were identified have been addressed. 

Kori Bernal, Elementary Principal, reported that the 3rd Grade ELA Scores came back with Bluffton receiving a 61% passage rate. The next step is to identify areas of need and assist students. SOS tutoring started December 1, with fifth graders receiving help from High School tutors.

Courtnee Morris, Technology Coordinator, and Doug Westrick, Middle School Principal reported together on two events. First, 8th graders who take Audio/Video Technology worked on small productions where they added voice-over and sounds to video shorts. And second, students participated in Beyond the Classroom with WLIO’s Connor Prince. Morris taught students lessons on interviewing techniques, then they went to Southgate Lanes to interview and be on camera. This segment will air on WLIO this Wednesday, December 17.

FUTURE MEETINGS
The Board approved the re-organizational meeting for Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5 p.m. They also approved the President Pro Tempore for Roni Kaufman to continue as Chairman of the Board until the January 15 meeting. 

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