The 2026 Spring newsletter has been mailed to all Bluffton local school residents. It includes messages from all three school principals and the following "Superintendent News" from Superintendent Greg Denecker. OPEN THE PDF NEWSLETTER

SUPERINTENDENT NEWS
The school year is quickly coming to a close with an early dismissal at 1:00 P.M. on the last day, Wednesday, May 27. We hope all our students had a positive experience in our district.  

We congratulate the Class of 2026 and wish them the very best as they leave our high school for the last time as students of BHS. Commencement ceremonies will begin at 7 P.M. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the Bluffton high school gymnasium. We hope we have prepared our graduates well to be successful in whatever career path they choose. Congratulations to them!

Each year in this publication, we like to thank our staff members who have been dedicated employees to our district for so many years.  We thank Brian Goldsberry, bus driver for over 20 years, and Jackie Bourassa, a teacher for over 37 years, who both retired during the 25-26 school year. In addition, we wish the best to the following employees who will be retiring from Bluffton Schools at the conclusion of this school year: Terri Stechschulte, an aide and librarian in the elementary for 25 years; Julie Inniger, an elementary teacher for the past 29 years; Dave Sycks, band director for 32 years; Robin Ault, middle school teacher for 34 years; and Steve Hardesty, a bus driver for 39 years. When totaling up these years of service to Bluffton Schools, these 7 dedicated employees served over 216 years to our district. We thank Brian, Jackie, Terri, Julie, Dave, Robin, and Steve for all they have done in making a lasting impact on our students and our district and wish them all the very best in retirement. 

Over the past several years, families and local financial advisors have asked about ways to support Bluffton Exempted Village Schools through charitable giving. To make this possible, Bluffton Schools has partnered with The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation to create the Bluffton School Foundation, supported by The Community Foundation.

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation has a long history of supporting the Bluffton community, including more than $180,000 in support for Bluffton Pathways and an all-inclusive playground through the Lions Club. The Foundation also administers three endowed scholarships that benefit Bluffton students. Endowed funds are permanent, providing support year after year. The Kyle P. Luginbuhl Memorial Scholarship and the Dominic Francis Memorial Scholarship are awarded annually to a graduating senior. The McGarrity Band Scholarship helps cover instrument costs so fifth-grade students can participate in band when financial need is present.

Community members can now give to two Bluffton-focused funds held at the Foundation. The Bluffton School Foundation Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors pursuing higher education, and the Pirates Helping Pirates Fund assists Bluffton students and families facing unexpected hardship, such as medical emergencies or home loss. Once these funds reach endowment level, they will provide ongoing annual support.  This is not a traditional fundraising campaign, but an opportunity for those who wish to give to do so in a meaningful and lasting way. For more information, contact Rachel Gerber at The Community Foundation at 419-425-1100.

Please call or stop in if you have any questions regarding the information in this letter or anything else about our district. As I have stated before, we have fantastic students, staff, parents, and community members. These make for an excellent school system and a great community where people can live and work.

Greg Denecker, Superintendent