By Betsi Werling

The August 19 meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education included the approval of supplemental contracts for coaches, advisors and substitute staff and teachers. The use of a therapy dog was approved in the schools.

The board received a visit from Chris Ewing, Pastor of County Line Church, who said he would hold the schools in his prayers as the year gets started. 

Paula Parish reported that at the beginning of the year funds are transferred from the General Fund to a variety of activity accounts. There was a total of $6,100 moved to accounts including the Marching Band, Latin Club, some of the musical groups and academic teams. Parish also reported that the district received a clean audit for the 2022-2023 academic year. 

The following supplemental contracts were approved: 

Renaissance Advisor - Amanda Hohenbrink 

Volunteer Asst Girls Tennis - Kelly McClure 

Volunteer High School Football - Ethan Beringer 

Volunteer Asst Girls Tennis - Delany Dawson 

Volunteer Asst Boys Soccer - Connor Lee 

Megan Morris was approved to serve as a substitute custodian. Carolyn Zimmerman was approved to serve as a substitute secretary and Eric Garmatter was approved to be a Substitute Bus Driver. 

Several individuals were approved to be Substitute teachers for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

The Board approved a new policy on Therapy Dogs in School. Paul Utendorf will have his dog Marty in the schools. When a crisis occurs other dogs may come in to visit with students. 

Board member Jeremy Scoles reported that Apollo begins classes on Wednesday, August 21. He noted that the All Boards dinner may be held in the new Public Safety Building. A time lapse video showed progress on this building. 

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

High School Principal Mike Minnig reported that there are 125 CCP students enrolled in over 250 classes; Schedule changes have been keeping staff busy during the last few days. He also reported that several of the athletic teams have begun competing. 

Middle School Principal Doug Westerick reported that all technology equipment is ready to go and they were welcoming five new teachers this year. 

New Elementary School Principal Kori Bernal reported that the picture days have been going well and she is looking forward to the year getting started.

Maintenance Supervisor Mike Wilson reported that all outside work had been completed and that athletic fields are in great shape. Many of the exterior spaces were pressure washed.

Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris reported that new equipment has been put in place. New this year, all first graders will get a new Chromebook that they will keep through 4th grade.. The 5th grade will also get new Chromebooks that will stay with them through 8th grade. Morris shared a video by Standout Creative Studios for the district. Each school has their own 30-second video for the district's webpage.

Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that staff work days begin on August 20; there will be professional development including gifted training.