At the Monday, March 21 Bluffton Board of Education meeting, one individual and the Bluffton Icon observed the meeting. There were no public comments.

All board members were present: Brad Dailey, Roni Kaufman, Wes Klinger, Jeremy Scoles and president Larry Hoffman, who conducted the meeting.

TREASURER'S TRANSACTIONS

The Board received and approved the 2020-2021 Audit of the Bluffton Exempted Village School District for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 completed by Auditors of the State of Ohio. Treasurer Paula Parish noted that there were no issues, it was a clean audit.

The board approved adjustments to the Athletic Tournament Fund (an increase of $6,172.96) and Athletic Fund (an increase of $13,500.00) due to increased revenue. Parish noted that additional revenue has to be appropriated so it can be spent.

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS, RESIGNATION & ETC.: 

The resignation of Alice Basinger effective at the end of the school year was approved. Superintendent Denecker noted that this Is a retirement and that Basinger has worked for the Bluffton Schools for 30 years. She has done “a fantastic job,” said president Larry Hoffman.

Dan Lee was approved as the new high school boys soccer coach.

AGREEMENT

The board approved a Satellite Program Standards & Maintenance Agreement with the Apollo Career Center for the 2022-2023 school year.

HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND CHOIR TRIP

The board approved the high school band and choir trip to Disney World Orlando, Florida from March 8 to March 11, 2023. 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Bluffton High School

Principal Mike Minnig noted that it was the last week of 3rd quarter. During the last month, ten girls went to OSU Lima STEM day and hope to send more next year. He noted that there are 43 scholar athletes this year.

Maintenance

Mike Wilson said that with nice weather crews are over-seeding football and soccer fields; baseball & softball fields are in good shape.

Bluffton Middle School

Principal Josh Kaufman said spring testing will begin soon. Fifth graders are scheduling for fall. The school celebrated national reading month with free popcorn for readers reaching a designated goal. A luau dance is being planned for April.

Bluffton Elementary School

Principal Ben Thiel noted that the Kid’s Heart Challenge raised $9,000, well over the goal set. A group of teachers attended R-Factor virtual training made famous by Ohio State in 2015. April 1 is PTO science night.

Technology

Director Marty Herr noted that Jacob Lehman will livestream from the gym at the Music Boosters Chicken BBQ, showing the performances in the cafeteria.

High School computers will be replaced is this summer. Have lasted 10 years. Herr experienced a virtual reality trip to Egypt with 6th graders in Mrs. Lee’s class.

District

Greg Denecker reported that a second bike rack will be added at the high school. A sidewalk has been added at Harmon field, which will improve conditions for those with walkers and wheel chairs.

March 28 is the new deadline for Ohio congressional districts; Denecker is waiting to hear if this will impact the May 3 election date (a school district income tax renewal for permanent improvements is on the ballot).

Free lunches and breakfasts have not been extended for next year by the federal government.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The entered an executive session to discuss employment of personnel with no action expected.