The Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education held its November regular meeting on Monday, November 15 in the Elementary Media Center, 102 S. Jackson. All board members were present for the approximately 35 minute meeting.

The board approved the minutes of the October 18, 2021 meeting (also attached below).

During the visitor involvement segment, Rex August asked the board for information about employee conduct guidelines and procedures.

The treasurer’s transactions, Memorandum of agreement to add a freshman girls basketball coach position, and contracts, assignments and resignations were approved unanimously.

• This is the first year there have been enough players for a freshman girls team.
• Middle school math teacher Dina Tadena will retire at the end of this school year.

Resolutions

Resolutions were unanimously passed to accept a bid of $99,975.00 from Cardinal Bus Sales & Service for a new school bus and to begin the first step in renewing the three-year school district income tax.

Hearings

The board established a hearing for 7 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021 in the superintendent’s office  for the review of the disposal of records.

The board approved the 2022-2023 school calendar.

Administrative Report Summaries

Apollo Career Center superintendent Keith Horner submitted the attached report on the 25 Bluffton currently enrolled at the center, which serves 11 school districts. He noted the popularity of a new work program where students alternate between two weeks in class and two weeks with an employer.

Bluffton Elementary principal Ben Thiel reported:

•  A recent incentive trip to Bluffton Family Recreation.
• The sound of ‘50s music in the building during a first grade theme week.

Bluffton High School principal Mike Minnig reported:

• First quarter grades were higher than last year and previous years. 
• The marching band will be performing in the Nov. 27 Blaze of Lights parade and student concerts are scheduled for the first two weeks of December.
• Wrestling and Swimming seasons commence the first week of December.
• The Academic Team won the NWC Scholastic Bowl.

Middle School principal Josh Kauffman reported:

• 160 of 260 students were on the first quarter A or A/B honor roll.
• 7th grade students learning about various careers from special guests.
• Recent programs include the danger of vaping and suicide prevention.
• Students will be participating in a formal dining event.

Technology director Mardy Herr reported:

• There are 400 active Chromebooks.
• Google Drive is now limiting storage to 100 terabytes per domain name; school serves have been upgraded.
• Troubleshooting sporadic WiFi issues in a couple of classrooms.
• Graduates have 1 year of additional email use.

Superintendent Greg Denecker reported:

• State income levels impact school funding and that Ohio General Revenue Fund revenues exceeded expectations by $89 million in October.
• The state is now requiring ½ credit in Economics-Financial Literacy before graduation: BHS has taught financial literacy for 15 years and received a Compass award by the State of Ohio treasurer in Spring 2021.