By Paula Pyzik Scott
Bluffton Icon editor, [email protected], 567-400-4266

The Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education held a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 21, with Board President Roni Kaufman conducting the meeting. Business included contracts with seven employees and 26 substitute teachers. A donation of $375 was received from Bluffton Community Assistance Corp. The meeting agenda is here.

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS
The board approved Treasurer Paula Parrish's report, which included the attached Cash Summary Report. Parrish noted adjustments made to federal grants, with funds appropriated so that they may be spent.

CONTRACTS
The board approved seven contracts, including athletic trainer Kris Laise, effective January 1. Superintendent Greg Denecker noted that St Rita's-Mercy Health is getting out of the athletic training business. Laise will continue in the role as a school employee. The attached agenda includes names and pay rates. Four student teachers were approved for the spring semester.

OVERNIGHT TRIP
The okay was given for a 2027 trip to Washington D.C. for Bluffton Middle School 8th graders. The dates for the trip are May 11-13, 2027.

DONATION
The Bluffton Community Assistance Corporation made a donation of $375 to assist with lunchroom fees. The organization is better known as the Bluffton Food Pantry.

APOLLO REPORT
Jeremy Scoles, who represents BEVS on the Apollo Career Center board, reported that Apollo will host the spring meeting of the Ohio School Board Association. There are currently 42 Bluffton students enrolled at Apollo.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Elementary
Principal Jeff Richards reported on successful behavioral leadership training, noting that students are providing more leadership in the lunchroom and hallways.

High School
Principal Mike Minnig reported that the first Senior Citizen Breakfast was heavily attended, with retired band director Dave Sycks there to see new director Andy Honse "get his feet wet." Minnig noted that drama club auditions for a production of We the People are underway.

Middle School
Reporting for principal Doug Westrick, Superintendent Denecker thanked the substitute bus drivers for their work while an additional driver is being trained. He noted that students are enjoying the behavioral leadership updates, especially having recess after lunch. Denecker also suggested viewing a new Bluffton PTO video with Marty the dog, following the theme "it's so easy, even a dog could do it."

Technology
Technology Coordinator Todd Boblitt reported that 99 Wi-Fi access points have been configured; 70 students can now have simultaneous access in the middle school media center.

2026 Board of Education meeting dates

Board of Education web page