By Betsi Werling

The Bluffton School Board met on Monday, April 20 with board president Roni Kaufman conducting the meeting.

STUDENT FEES UNCHANGED
Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that student fees for 2026-2027 will remain unchanged. The district attempts to keep them as low as possible.

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS, RESIGNATIONS
After 25 years of service with the district, Terri Stechschulte will retire at the end of the academic year. Alexa Maag will be the paid Assistant Coach for Softball.  Austin Housh will enter into a 2-year contract as a custodian. 

Supplemental contracts for 2026-2027 were approved. These include many extracurricular activities. Substitute teachers for 2025-2026 were approved. Alexa Maag will be a paid assistant instead of volunteer.

AGREEMENTS
The Board approved the Allen County Educational Services agreement. Greg Denecker reported that the number of days for each area will remain unchanged for 2026-2027. 

APOLLO REPORT
Board member Jeremy Scoles reported that Apollo held its annual ApolloPalooza, a community open house. Students could tour the facility and answer questions. 

There will be a change in how Apollo markets their programs. The emphasis will transition to a more holistic approach, emphasizing that students can explore several programs instead of only being able to choose from two or three. Scoles encouraged anyone who is in the Lima area to visit the Apollo Cafe for lunch. In addition, he reported that the students in the culinary program are willing to travel and cater events.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

High School Principal Mike Minnig reported that 29 sophomores applied for Apollo programs, making it the largest Apollo class Bluffton has ever had. Academic Awards will be on May 5. Students receiving special awards and scholarships will be honored. Seniors will be attending the Ohio Means Jobs Fair on May 5 at UNOH.

Building and Grounds Supervisor Mike Wilson reported his department is running smoothly. Just keeping up with outside facilities and making sure games can happen. In May, they will begin landscaping to prepare for commencement ceremonies at the High School. Mike said the department has received training on how to care for the artificial turf practice field. It will need to be cleaned twice a month and should not impact any of the current uses for the area. 

Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris is creating a summer plan in place to address technology needs. Four students have been doing some technology training at HeirForce Academy in Lima. This is a grant-funded experience for the students. Students have also begun providing the Intergenerational Computer skills training Senior Center members. The group had 11 seniors and 8 students working on technology questions. Next time, they will meet at the Senior Center for games, so the students know about the activities currently taking place with the Senior Center members. 

MS Principal Doug Westrick reported that there will be a Dime War between the classes to raise funds for Organ Donation. All the funds raised will be donated in honor of the late Christina Rippenoff. The annual Shark Tank event will be held May 5 and Night at the Museum will be held May 6.

Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that Mrs. Glick created a video to lighten the mood for state testing, so students could see a lighter side to the tests they are taking. With Mrs. Lovell, Denecker recently attended Mercy Health’s Business Advisory Council, which is working on internships for high school students. 

NEXT MEETING
Monday, May 18, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.