Alice Basinger sworn in as newest board member

By Paula Pyzik Scott 

The Bluffton Exempted Village School District board of education held a reorganizational meeting on Wednesday, January 10. New board member Alice Basinger was sworn in along with Jeremy Scoles, who was reelected in November elections.

The members elected Wes Klinger as board president and Roni Kaufmann as vice president. The five-member board also includes Brad Dailey. 

In addition to annual authorizations and designations, the board approved the following monthly meeting schedule for 2024 with all but one meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m.

• Monday, February 12
• Monday, March 18
• Monday, April 15
• Wednesday, May 22
• Thursday, June 27
• Monday, July 29
• Monday, August 19
• Monday, September 16
• Monday, October 21
• Monday, November 18
• Monday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m.

REPORTS

Apollo Career Center: Jeremy Scoles reported that Apollo will be created an OTC+ (Ohio Technical Center) pilot program. High school students will have an opportunity to take adult courses in welding and phlebotomy. 

Bluffton Middle School: Principal Doug Westrick updated the board on upcoming testing and noted that honor roll students will have a special honors breakfast in coming weeks.

Bluffton Elementary School: Principal Ben Thiel updated the board on upcoming events including a presentation by a Ugandan songwriter and Bakery Bingo, which is open to the public, on Saturday, January 20.

Bluffton High School: Principal Mike Minnig noted that some 20 sophomores have signed up for the Apollo 411 Blast preview and that auditions will soon take place for the spring musical, Elf. Mining also announced that the high school will host personalized FAFSA completion assistance on January 22.

Technology: Courtnee Morris reviewed recent activities and tech assistance including podcasting training, providing testing in an alternative language and providing the GarageBand app for music assignments. 

Grounds and Maintenance: Mike Wilson reported that nice weather provided the opportunity to finish fields and grounds work; with more wintry weather expected, he has been exercising pumps and is “ready if not willing” for severe weather.

Superintendent: Greg Denecker reported that January is School Board Member Appreciation Month.