By Betsi Werling

The Bluffton Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Monday, February 16 at 5:30 p.m. 

During the visitors’ portion of the meeting, Craig Kupferberg was introduced. He is the Superintendent of the Allen County Educational Service Center (ESC) and has been attending the various school board meetings in Allen County.

FINANCIAL
Treasurer Paula Parish reported on a fund adjustment and amended certificate for $120,000 to be used on building improvements. The financial forecast for the Fiscal Years for 2026-2029 was presented.

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
Jack Hohenbrink has resigned from the cafeteria to become a full-time bus driver. Tiffany Gallant was approved as a long-term substitute. Other substitute custodians, cafeteria workers, educational aides and secretaries were approved. Additionally, supplemental contracts for spring sports were approved. 

Steven Ford was approved to replace Robin Ault as the new 7th grade science teacher. Ford has lived in Australia and has taught for 15 years, most recently at Lima West.

APOLLO REPORT 
Jeremy Scoles reported on news from the Apollo Career Center. The Apollo board has a new President, Mike Carpenter from Shawnee Schools. The next academic year for Apollo will be August 26, 2026 to May 27, 2027. Currently, there are 723 students who have applied for admission; 28 of them are Bluffton students. Apollo is  exploring creating a school clinic and adding 5 minutes to the school day. 

OHIO SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION
Scoles also reported that OSBA spring meeting will be held on March 19 at Liberty Benton. 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 
Mike Wilson, Director of Buildings and Grounds, reported that the winter was relatively uneventful. A coil in the boiler froze, but was fixed quickly. Clean-up is beginning in preparation for spring sports. 

Due to the Presidents’ Day holiday, Superintendent Greg Denecker gave the remaining administrative reports. PTO Bakery Bingo on February 7 was a huge success. The Elementary School is holding a peanut butter and jelly food drive. There is some discussion about moving this project closer to the end of the year to assist food banks with summer needs. Letters have been sent to businesses in preparation for the Middle School Shark Tank Event on May 5, 2026. High School athletes in winter sports are preparing for tournament play. There are after-school tech programs taking place.

NEXT MEETING
Monday, March 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Bluffton Elementary Media Center