The following Bluffton Exempted Village Schools newsletter for Summer 2024-2025 is appearing in hard copy in mailboxes across the district. It includes a letter from Superintendent Greg Denecker, financial information for the 2023-2024 general fund, permanent improvement projects, new additions to staff (including new elementary school principal Kori Bernal), event and no school dates and contact information.

News from the Superintendent
We are excited to get the 2024-2025 school year started as we   welcome over 1200 students into our district on the first day of school.  Our enrollment numbers continue to stay very consistent, which is a real tribute to our community and staff, as many schools in our region have lost enrollment.  

We are pleased to announce some great new staff members for this school year, and they are excited to become part of the Pirate family.  Allison King and Megan Morris will be new administrative assistants for the ‘24-‘25 school year, and Trystahn Eyerly will be a district technology assistant.  Deborah Schmidt will be a new custodian in our middle school.  New teachers in the middle school include

Ryan Selhorst -- 6th-grade social studies, Aubrey Imm –- 7th-grade math, Lauren Huelsman -- 8th-grade science, Stephanie McMahon -- 8th-grade math, and Hailey Colligan -- 8th-grade language arts.  New high school teachers consist of Jared Breece teaching social studies, Stacy Lammers as an intervention specialist, and Hailey Heitmeyer as our new biology/anatomy teacher.  Kori Bernal is our new elementary principal. Please stop in and introduce yourselves to these new staff members when in the building or at after-school events; they are excited to meet you and to get to know the Bluffton School District’s community. We welcome each of these new staff members to the Pirate staff and look forward to working with them for many years to come.

School security is always a point of emphasis with our students, staff, and community.  We have taken many steps to help with the security in our district and continue to have training with our staff in the event of an emergency.  If you see or hear something, please say something to a school administrator or police.  In addition, Bluffton Schools is a part of the Ohio School Safety Center tip line called SAFEROH with the phone number of 844-723-3764.  You will find this tip line number on our website as well.  

The financial report on this page shows our general fund information for the 2024 fiscal year.  We have been able to achieve financial stability due to the cost-saving measures that have been put in place over many years.  Our district spends less than state average per pupil, but achievement levels for the district consistently perform near the top in the state. We will continue to look for ways to be fiscally responsible to you, our community, while still providing our students with an excellent education.

On the second page of this newsletter is a list of permanent improvement projects which were completed over the course of the past year.  These funds allow our district to make repairs and improvements to our facilities for our students and community.  While our buildings are not new, we believe the updates and upkeep of each facility make for an excellent learning environment.  We thank our community for the support of our school district and the ability to keep our district up-to-date.  

We are excited to introduce our new school therapy dog Mardy to our district this year.  Our new guidance counselor at the elementary school, Paul Utendorf, is bringing Mardy to us.  The goals and benefits of working or visiting with a therapy dog may include reduced stress, improved physical and emotional well-being, decreased anxiety, improved self-esteem, and normalization of the environment, all of which increase the likelihood of successful academic achievement by the student.  Therapy dogs can help children with reading, especially the student who is willing to read to the dog but not to another person.  As many of you know, over the course of the last few years we have had some tragedies that have occurred with both students and a staff member.  When we brought in therapy dogs from the crisis team, it was amazing to see the difference these dogs made for students and staff during those difficult times.  We hope the addition of Mardy will be beneficial to our environment for our students and staff.

Starting this year, our district will be utilizing a Food Digester that we obtained through a grant from the Ohio EPA.  The BiNova R2 food digester will take all the food scraps and convert them into a usable end product that can be used in combination with a fertilizer to eliminate this food waste from ending up in a landfill.  This will be beneficial for our students in science classes to learn about this process and to realize the positive impact they can have when reducing waste into the landfill.  We thank the Ohio EPA for this food digester.

We want all our students to have a positive experience in our district.  Please reach out to your teacher, principal, or me if you ever have a concern about your child.  We believe our staff is very caring and nurturing for all our students, and we all want what is best for each   child.  

We look forward to educating the students in our district this year. This is wonderful privilege and opportunity. Thank you for your continued support of Bluffton Exempted Village Schools and the students we serve.  If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to stop in or call me at 419-358-5901.

Greg Denecker – Superintendent

 

Financial Information for 2023-2024 General Fund

Beginning Balance (July 1, 2023) 8,248,435
Outstanding Encumbrances (FY 2023) 138,212
Beginning Cash Balance  (July 1, 2023) 8,386,647

Revenue:

Local Sources:
Real Estate 4,571,404
Personal Tangible 2,405
Investment Earnings 361,522
Other Local Sources 316,265

State Sources:
Foundation Program 6,917,676
Rollback & Homestead 448,647
Other State Sources 98,131

Other Receipts:

Total Receipts Above 12,716,050
Plus Cash Balance 8,386,647

TOTAL REVENUES 21,102,697

Expenditures:
Salaries & Wages 6,693,693
Fringe Benefits 2,776,466
Purchased Service 1,493,177
Materials, Supplies, Texts 482,065
Capital Outlay 5,981
Other Expenditures 152,534
Transfers/Advances 6,100

TOTAL EXPENDITURES: 11,610,016

ENDING CASH BALANCE 9,492,681

Outstanding Encumbrances 140,045

Ending Balance (June 30, 2024) 9,352,636

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Bluffton Schools Permanent Improvement Projects

Over the course of the past year, our district has completed many permanent improvement projects.  In each summer’s district newsletter, we outline the revenue that was brought in from this 1/2% permanent improvement income tax and the projects completed with these tax dollars.  Below is the revenue chart of the combined monies brought in by the tax and the list of expenditures for the projects completed thanks to this fund. 

Date              Revenue
October, 2023 $206,122.76
January, 2024 $233,599.50
April, 2024 $295,380.43
July, 2024 $448,565.95

Projects Sept. 2021-Aug. 2022 Expenditures
Plumbing Repairs and R/R Updates $7,684.29
Technology $151,719.78
HVAC Repairs and Updates $62,319.64
Outside Facilities Maintenance and Updates $26,696.30
Flooring   $72,348.18
Painting   $33,538.21
Furniture   $60,515.19
Windows     $2,829.58
Equipment, Repairs, and Updates $228,132.33
Security/Safety   $98,061.40
Electric and Lighting Updates $117,207.06
Paving/Concrete/Brick Repairs   $22,291.60
New Bus $122,714.00
Classroom Equipment   $51,567.08
Textbooks/books   $50,521.21
Roof/Roof Repairs   $71,840.46

Total Expenses $1,179,986.31

Bluffton Schools will continue to use these funds to update our facilities as promised to the taxpayers of this community.  As always, we at Bluffton Schools appreciate the community’s support of our district’s efforts to maintain and improve facilities. If you would like to see these improvements in person, please call me to set up a convenient time to view these updates firsthand.    

Greg Denecker – Superintendent 

Bluffton Exempted Village Schools - Mission Statement The mission of the Bluffton Exempted Village School District is to provide a safe and stimulating environment in which flexibility is encouraged in meeting the needs of every student, and to value all persons and learning in order to develop individuals who demonstrate problem-solving skills, personal responsibility, and a desire for lifelong learning.

Please watch closely at all intersections around our district and proceed with caution both as a driver and as a pedestrian.

New Additions to the Staff….

Kori Bernal- Elementary Principal
Kori Bernal is joining the Bluffton Pirates as elementary principal. The past 23 years, Kori worked at Fostoria City Schools as an elementary teacher, high school intervention specialist, and PK-6 elementary principal. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Nate, for 22 years and has two children: Antonio, 20, who entered the workforce upon graduation, and Marisol, 18, who will attend Bluffton University in the fall, majoring in education and playing softball. The family also includes four dogs:  pugs Dewey, Daphne, and Penelope and a special-needs mixed breed, Helen, who is blind and deaf.  Also, there are two cats:  Oxford, who has one eye, and Lilly, a sweet old lady.  In her spare time, Kori enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Jared Breece - High School Teacher
Jared Breece, who is joining the high school staff as a world history and psychology teacher, graduated from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) with a bachelor’s degree in Adolescent to Young Adult (AYA) Integrated Social Studies with a minor in history. Jared also enjoys coaching and is excited about the opportunity to be involved in the school’s athletic programs. He is looking forward to welcoming students into his classroom this fall and joining the Bluffton school district and community.

Hailey Colligan – Middle School Teacher
Hailey graduated from Ohio University last fall, and this school year will be her first official year as a teacher.   Originally from Cincinnati, Hailey now lives in Findlay with her beautiful, 4-year-old Husky. She enjoys being outside with her dog, visiting family and friends in Cincinnati, and exploring new places. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, and caring for her plants. Hailey is excited to get to know the Bluffton students, staff, and families. 

Trystahn Eyerly – Technology Assistant
From Washington State and pursuing his BS in Information Technology through a bridge program that leads directly into his master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Trystahn is excited to work with Bluffton schools this coming school year. He has been involved in IT work on security systems, worked as a Line Entertainment Coordinator for Sakuracon, and is a life member of the international youth leadership development group Order of DeMolay.

Hayley Heitmeyer – High School Teacher
Hayley Heitmeyer is looking forward to teaching biology and anatomy this fall at the high school and is excited to start her journey as the volleyball coach.   She graduated from BGSU in 2023 with a degree in biomedical sciences and is finishing her master's degree in education from the University of Findlay. In her spare time, she likes to read, golf, coach, travel, and spend time with family and friends. 

Pirate Pride!

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Lauren Huelsman – Middle School Teacher
Lauren Huelsman is joining the 8th-grade team as the science teacher. Lauren is a 2009 graduate of Otterbein University and earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University in 2012. This school year marks Lauren’s16th year of teaching. She spent her first 5 years teaching at Northmor Local Schools and the past 10 years at her alma mater, Mount Gilead Exempted Village Schools. While at Mount Gilead, she taught 9th-grade science and was the varsity track and field coach. In her spare time, Lauren loves cheering on the Ohio Northern women’s basketball team; her husband, Mark, serves as head coach there. She also enjoys reading, running, and spending time on her family’s dairy farm. Lauren, Mark, and their dog, Hank, are moving to Bluffton this fall and are excited to join the community.

Aubrey Imm – Middle School Teacher
Aubrey Imm is joining the 7th-grade team this fall. After graduating from Ottawa-Glandorf High School in 2020, she continued her education at BGSU where she majored in Middle Childhood Education. Prior to her recent college graduation, Aubrey completed her student teaching experience at Fort Jennings High School where she taught 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade math. During Aubrey’s time at BGSU, she was involved in various organizations such as BGCTM, BGSU Science Camp Organization, and the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and camping with her family. Aubrey is excited to begin work at the middle school and meet her new students. 

Alison King – Administrative Assistant to Guidance and Athletics
Alison King is joining the high school staff as administrative assistant in the guidance and athletic offices. She graduated from BHS in 1998 and Goshen College in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Art and a concentration in Graphic Design. Her two daughters, Milena and Madelyn, are students at Bluffton elementary, and her husband Kevin teaches Spanish at BHS. In her spare time, Alison enjoys graphic and interior design projects, gardening and flowers, cooking, spending time at the lake, and supporting the girls in all their activities. She is excited to become a Pirate again.

Stacy Lammers – High School Teacher
Stacy Lammers joins the high school as an intervention specialist. She and her husband, Eric, recently moved back to Northwest Ohio from Nashville, Tennessee, where they lived the past 12 years. Stacy has been a special education teacher for 11 years and is passionate about providing an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. Along with their three children -- Ella (7), Mason (4) & Tate (3) -- the Lammers enjoy spending time together as a family and, despite being a house divided in sports, cheering on their favorite teams (Buckeyes, Irish, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns).
Stacy is looking forward to meeting her students and having a great school year.

Stephanie McMahon – Middle School Teacher
Stephanie McMahon is joining the 8th-grade team as a math teacher. She is a 2011 BHS graduate and received her bachelor's degree from OSU. Stephanie worked at the Allen East middle school the last two years and, prior to that, was a sub in many buildings in Allen County. Stephanie coaches a summer swim program and spends a good deal of time at the Bluffton pool in that capacity. She loves to travel and makes at least one trip to Walt Disney World each year. She, her husband Sean, and daughter Elliana have been living in Bluffton for the last 6 years. Stephanie is eagerly looking forward to being a Pirate once again.

Megan Morris - High School Administrative Assistant
Megan Morris has been part of the Bluffton community for over 35 years. She is a BHS graduate and received her bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Bluffton University in 2007. Megan is the wife of Courtnee Morris, technology coordinator for Bluffton EVSD. Their daughter, Siren (13), is an 8th-grade student at the middle school this year. In her free time, Megan enjoys reading, doing volunteer work, and camping with family and friends. With nine years of office experience, she is excited to become the high school administrative assistant. 

Deborah Schmidt – Custodian
Born and raised in Bluffton and a graduate of BHS, Deborah is the mom of three awesome children.  Physical fitness and well-being are important aspects of her life. She especially enjoys spending time with her children or at the gym.  Deborah is grateful to be a member of the school custodial staff and is looking forward to the school year.  

Ryan Selhorst – Middle School Teacher
Ryan Selhorst, a Bluffton University graduate, will be teaching 6th-grade social studies. For the last 10 years, Ryan taught in the Lima City Schools. He has 3 children: a 7th grader, a 5th grader, and a 3rd grader. In his spare time, Ryan likes to play golf and baseball. He is looking forward to the school year and being a part of Bluffton Schools.

Meet-the-Teacher Meet-the-Teacher will be August 21. The elementary, middle school, and high school will be open from 5:00-6:00 P.M.  This is an opportunity for parents and children to meet the teachers.

 

If you do not want your child’s name or picture released to any media outlet or on our website, please tell your child’s building office in writing by September 20, 2024

 

School Cancellations or Delays/Parent Alert System

During the school year there may be times, especially during inclement weather, that we may have to delay school or cancel classes for the day.  Please go to www.blufftonschools.org and click under parent alert system on the right-hand column.  Follow the simple steps to receive text messages and emails for delays, cancellations, announcements, or for cases of an emergency at school. In addition, you may listen to your local radio or television stations for announcements of delays or cancellations.  

Athletic Alerts - Go to blufftonschools.org under parent alert system to sign up for athletic event reminders that will be sent to you for upcoming athletic events.

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Bluffton School Open House
The Bluffton Schools will hold a district-wide open house on Monday evening, September 23rd, at 6:00-7:00 P.M. Several community organizations will have booths set up in the elementary gymnasium, and information will be available on ways to provide support to the school and community.

All parents and community members are invited to this open house to meet staff members, observe facilities, and learn more about the educational opportunities available to Bluffton students.

 

2024-2025 School Calendar

Bluffton Exempted Village Schools

August 26   Monday School Opens

September 2   Monday No School - Labor Day

October 25   Friday End of 1st Grading Period

October 28   Monday No School – Staff Day Only

November 26/27    Tues./Wed.   No School-(Elem/MS)

November 27   Wednesday No School – (HS)

November 28/29    Thurs./Fri. No-School– Thanksgiving

December 20   Friday Last Day of School for 2024                     

January 2   Thursday School Re-Opens 2025

January 17   Friday End of 2nd Grading Period

January 20   Monday No School-King Day

February 17   Monday No School-Presidents’ Day 

March 21   Friday End of 3rd Grading Period

March 24   Monday No School – Staff Day Only

April 18 & 21   Fri/Mon. No School-Spring Break

May 23   Friday End of 4th Grading Period

May 24   Saturday Commencement

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Listed are the dates and times for parent-teacher conferences in the Bluffton Schools.  This is an excellent time to meet with our teachers and discuss the educational progress of your child(ren).  We hope you plan to attend.

Bluffton Elementary and Middle Schools

Monday, November  25   5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Tuesday, November 26 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Bluffton High School

Monday, November  25 5:00- 8:00 P.M.

Tuesday, November 26     5:00- 8:00 P.M. 

Visit Bluffton Schools Website: www.blufftonschools.org/

 

Senior Citizen Breakfast 2024-2025
Performance - Sponsor

• September 11 - Marching Band  - Citizens National Bank
• October 9 - Show Choir - Senior Citizen Center
• November 13 - Drama Club - Chiles-Laman 
• December 11 - Concert Choir - Sprunger Insurance
• January 8 - Orchestra - Ellerbrock Spine/Soft Tissue
• February 12 - Solo/Ensemble - Blanchard Valley Hospital
• March 12 - Band - Mennonite Home Communities
• April 9 - Musical Cast - First National Bank
• May 14 - Jazz Band - Lewis Family McDonald’s

Listed below are the phone numbers for each building in the Bluffton School District.  Please call our offices with any questions and concerns you might have about the schools.  We appreciate any input in helping maintain a quality education for our students.

• Central Office   419-358-5901
• High School   419-358-7941
• Middle School                419-358-7961
• Elementary School                 419-358-7951

 

Bluffton Exempted Village School District Board of Education

• Wesley Klinger, President
• Roni Kaufman, Vice President
• Alice Basinger
• Brad Dailey
• Jeremy Scoles

The Board of Education typically meets the third Monday of each month at 7:30 P.M. in the Elementary Media Center.  If there is a change in the date, time, or meeting place, it is announced in the newspaper. 

Annual Notification of Federal Funds

The Bluffton Exempted Village School receives federal funds in the areas of reading, math, library, and education of handicapped children.  If you have any suggestions on how these funds should be used, please contact the district superintendent at 419-358-5901.

END