Summary of August 19 Board of Education meeting
By Betsi Werling
The August 19 meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education included the approval of supplemental contracts for coaches, advisors and substitute staff and teachers. The use of a therapy dog was approved in the schools.
The board received a visit from Chris Ewing, Pastor of County Line Church, who said he would hold the schools in his prayers as the year gets started.
Paula Parish reported that at the beginning of the year funds are transferred from the General Fund to a variety of activity accounts. There was a total of $6,100 moved to accounts including the Marching Band, Latin Club, some of the musical groups and academic teams. Parish also reported that the district received a clean audit for the 2022-2023 academic year.
The following supplemental contracts were approved:
Renaissance Advisor - Amanda Hohenbrink
Volunteer Asst Girls Tennis - Kelly McClure
Volunteer High School Football - Ethan Beringer
Volunteer Asst Girls Tennis - Delany Dawson
Volunteer Asst Boys Soccer - Connor Lee
Megan Morris was approved to serve as a substitute custodian. Carolyn Zimmerman was approved to serve as a substitute secretary and Eric Garmatter was approved to be a Substitute Bus Driver.
Several individuals were approved to be Substitute teachers for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Board approved a new policy on Therapy Dogs in School. Paul Utendorf will have his dog Marty in the schools. When a crisis occurs other dogs may come in to visit with students.
Board member Jeremy Scoles reported that Apollo begins classes on Wednesday, August 21. He noted that the All Boards dinner may be held in the new Public Safety Building. A time lapse video showed progress on this building.
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
High School Principal Mike Minnig reported that there are 125 CCP students enrolled in over 250 classes; Schedule changes have been keeping staff busy during the last few days. He also reported that several of the athletic teams have begun competing.
Middle School Principal Doug Westerick reported that all technology equipment is ready to go and they were welcoming five new teachers this year.
New Elementary School Principal Kori Bernal reported that the picture days have been going well and she is looking forward to the year getting started.
Maintenance Supervisor Mike Wilson reported that all outside work had been completed and that athletic fields are in great shape. Many of the exterior spaces were pressure washed.
Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris reported that new equipment has been put in place. New this year, all first graders will get a new Chromebook that they will keep through 4th grade.. The 5th grade will also get new Chromebooks that will stay with them through 8th grade. Morris shared a video by Standout Creative Studios for the district. Each school has their own 30-second video for the district's webpage.
Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that staff work days begin on August 20; there will be professional development including gifted training.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, August 22, 2025
Thursday, August 21, 2025
- Cheryl Anise Pingle worked at Dayspring Church
- Lima Highway Patrol OVI checkpoint August 22
- Pirate VB sweeps Rockets
- Pirate boys drop golf tri
- Bluffton Board of Education hears neighbor comments on practice field, approves Lawn Ave. plan
- United Way of Greater Lima holds 9th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 5
- Village of Beaverdam announces committee meetings
- An amazing sign of fall 2025
- August 23 Bluffton Cars & Coffee
- If You Could Read My Mind: GLP-1s and memory
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Village of Bluffton reminder of electric aggregation provider, solicitor permit requirements
- Previews of Bluffton Senior Center trips for 2026
- English Lutheran Church to provide Community Meal, August 21
- Welcome back to Bluffton Beavers
- Pirate football reloads for run at NWC crown
- Pirate volleyball swept by Shawnee
- Pirate girls golf loss to Fort Loramie
- Pirate girls tennis edged by Spartans
- Made In Ada Wilson Football Festival kicks of season August 23