By Paula Scott

On Monday, August 21, The Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education Meeting was conducted by president Brad Dailey with all board members present. Two new staffers were introduced: Middle School Principal Doug Westrick and Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris.

INVOLVEMENT OF VISITORS
Teacher Beth Raeburn introduced herself as the co-president of the Bluffton Education Association with Jamie Erford. 

TREASURER’S TRANSACTIONS 
Treasurer Paula Parrish noted some appropriation modifications and that money ($124,150.00) had been moved from bus repair to purchasing. Staff noted that a new bus has been delivered but that it still needs a license plate and inspection. (Transactions are on p. 2 of the attached agenda.)

CONTRACTS, ASSIGNMENTS & ETC.
The following items were approved unanimously:

CONTINUES

Supplemental Contracts

• Volunteer Assistant High School Football - Bryan Lloyd
• Volunteer Assistant Middle School Football - Barry Schneck
• Volunteer Assistant Middle School Football - James Rex
• Volunteer Assistant Middle School Football - Nicholas Kimmel
• Volunteer Assistant High School Volleyball - Emily Spallinger
• Assistant Boys Soccer - Jonathan Bonifaz
• Volunteer Assistant Girls Tennis - Justin Haggard
• Assistant Middle School Cheerleader - Sidnie Koontz

New Classified Employees

• Part-time Cafeteria Worker: Britney Webb
• Substitute Cafeteria Workers: Linda Whetstone, Ann Jones
• Substitute Custodian: Jack Hohenbrink
• Substitute Secretary: Linda Whetstone, Jack Hohenbrink
• Substitute Educational Aide: Jack Hohenbrink
• Seasonal/Casual: Jack Hohenbrink

Substitute Teachers

• Carol Baumgarte
• Holly Bertka
• Callie Carter
• Dianne Carter
• Sandy Dackin
• David Fett
• Tia Fletcher
• Phyllis Henderson
• Cary Hengstler
• Michael Hilty
• Doris Jones
• Karna Marquart
• Randy Prichard
• Karen Reidenbach-Dew
• Brayden Sautter
• Sarah Shank
• Lexie Shaffer
• Stacie Shine
• Bethany Smith
• Mary Smith
• Alexys Tart
• John Wehner
• Brittney Westley
• Maria-Elena Williams

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Apollo Report
Bluffton board representative Jeremy Scoles provided highlights from the July 24 Apollo board meeting. The treasurer reported that Apollo made $400,000 in investments and that expenses up 3.5%, with revenue up 9.2% due to state funding and tuition. The center has a new 1-year lease for the CDL training center.

Maintenance
Supervisor Mike Wilson reported on preparations including “Constantly working to stay up with weeds.” He noted that the Harmon football field still looks awesome following two back to back games, a sentiment echoed by board members.

Technology
New Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris reported that he already had contact with a lot of teachers. A mini tech session for teachers is coming up including Google “Waffle,” IXL, AI and other areas. Teachers will be able to choose from several sessions.

Elementary
Principal Ben Thiel has been meeting with parents of prospective open enrollment students. Thiel has been meeting with Allen County principals regarding new dyslexia screening and program requirements. 

High School
Principal Mike Minnig commented that the high school building looks good and that everything is pretty ready. Mining noted that the number of students taking College Credit Plus classes is 2.5 times last year’s numbers. There are 37 students taking social studies and many are doing online classes.

Middle School
Principal Doug Westrick, new this year, noted that having been on the job since mid-July, he has met almost all the staff. This summer he went to Atlanta with Theil and Morris   to see the Ron Clark Academy and how can it work here in Bluffton.

Transportation
Westrick reported that he talked with driving staff last week; they are currently contacting parents regarding student pickup.

Superintendent
Greg Denecker reported that the week would include three days of staff meetings. He noted that there will be almost 300 open enrollment students–the highest number so far–and that the district stands out: “not a lot of districts are staying the same or growing.”

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.