By Betsi Werli

The November 13 meeting of the Bluffton Board of Education included both business and the pleasure of hearing reports directly from middle school students. (Agenda attached below.)

INCOME TAX RENEWAL
A Resolution of Necessity was approved for a tax levy renewal on the upcoming May 2025 ballot. The first levy was passed in 2007. It is a ½ % income tax that raises $1,158,543 annually. Funds generated from the levy help maintain facilities and continue to enhance the school district.

VISITORS
Keith Horner, Superintendent of the Apollo Career Center, updated the board on programs and future initiatives. Currently 39 students from Bluffton attend Apollo. The school now has Fire, Police and Truck Driving programs in a new building and can do testing for CDLs on site. The school plans to introduce a High School Criminal Justice program next year. ▶︎

The meeting room was full of young visitors. Courtnee Morris’s seventh grade technology students presented their final projects to the Board.

• ● Peyton Lieurance created a playlist for sporting events to get people excited. She is hoping that they can be used at some of her games this winter.

• ● Emery Thiel created an instrumental music playlist that can be used for the classroom. The music was mainly piano because she plays piano and calming music.

• ● Juliana Carnauba created a graphic novel called The Key. Juliana Rigali also created a graphic novel titled One After Another. Both projects had a murder mystery theme.

• ● Cora Beck created a game called Breakfast Blitz. Eva Nygaard created a game called Blue Mark. Both students showed their behind the scenes coding.

Morris explained that letters will be going home to parents about the next steps in showcasing what the students have worked on and how they might post projects on platforms to earn revenue.

FINANCIAL AND CONTRACTS

A property at 130 N. Lawn was purchased by the school with the intention of expanding the playground.

In Treasurer’s Transactions, Paula Parish shared the 5-year forecast and where the numbers come from. She uses data from the Ohio Department of Education and projects funding necessary to continue operations.

A memorandum of agreement was approved for a paid Assistant Wrestling Coach. Historically, the position has been volunteer. It is now a paid position.

The following supplemental contracts were approved: Volunteer Assistant HS Boys Basketball - RIcky Shaner, Assistant MS Wrestling Coach - Garrett Wyer.

Several new substitute teachers were approved. Karna Marquart was hired as an educational aide; she began work on October 29, 2024.

Two student teaching assignments approved. Jillian Newlan from ONU will work with Nicole Anderson and Anne Tuell from ONU will work with Barbara Maag and Jaime Combs.

Nancy Yeager was approved renewal of a 7-year term as Bluffton Public Library trustee.

Paula Parish, Wes Klinger and Greg Denecker will have a records disposal meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Elementary Principal Kori Bernal reported that the Alphabet Parade and K-1 Glow Day were enjoyed by both students and teachers. During the recent teacher workday, I-Ready training was conducted and teachers began looking at the data it collects.

Middle School Principal Doug Westrick reported that 10 students from the MS Student Center went to Liberty Benton for a Student Leadership Summit and gave a presentation. Westrick said students learned a great deal and will have a follow-up to see if some ideas can be implemented in Bluffton.

Buildings and grounds director Mike Wilson reported on closing up outside facilities and winterizing buildings. Wilson noted that ground work has been done on the football field.

High School Principal Mike Minnig reported on preparations for Parent Teacher Conferences later this month. Seniors will present Capstone projects. A College Credit Plus (CCP) informational meeting and FAFSA night will be offered. He reported that Esports made it to State Semi-Finals.

Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris reported that technology integration is continuing in classrooms. He recently built ChatGPT programs for Melissa Richards’ class on leadership which is studying the Founding Fathers and Colonies. Students are “ interviewing” historical figures using AI.

Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that the recent Senior Citizens Breakfast had record attendance. This program continues to grow and has been very successful.