CORRECTION: The Bluffton Elementary principal is Ben Thiel, not Ben Theis. Thanks to our readers for all corrections.

At the October 17 Bluffton Board of Education meeting, the elected officials approved contracts including winter sports coaches, approved an overnight trip to Washington D.C. for 8th grade students and heard about expanded Fire Safety Week presentation by the Bluffton Fire Department, among other business.

High School students (and twins) Lauren and Alyssa Speicher were introduced to the board: Lauren has been designated as a 2023 National Merit Scholar semifinalist and Alyssa is a commended student in the program. It was announced that board member Jeremy Scoles received a 2022 OSBA Aptitude Award from the Ohio School Boards Association. 

ATTENDANCE
Board members present: Larry Hoffman - President, Brad Dailey - Vice President, Roni Kaufman and Jeremy Scoles. Absent: Wes Klinger. Staff present: Greg Denecker - Superintendent, Mardy Herr - Technology Coordinator, Josh Kauffman - Middle School Principal, Paula Parrish - Treasurer, Ben Theil - Elementary School Principal. 

INVOLVEMENT OF VISITORS
All school board meetings provide an opportunity for visitors to address the board. Alice Essinger and Chris Ewing were present as visitors.

TREASURER’S TRANSACTIONS
Treasurer Paula Parrish presented the following funds to be established or adjusted, which were approved unanimously.

Special Rotary Fund increase of $1,250 for ACT classes

ESSER - ESC Extended Learning Grant in the amount of $59K

CONTRACTS
Contracts for a long term substitute (5th grade, Meredith Bixel), winter sports coaches, 11 substitute teachers, and a substitute custodian (Don Prowant, recently retire) were approved unanimously.

OVERNIGHT TRIP
A Washington D.C. trip for 8th grade students was approved. This activity had been suspended due to COVID; the same travel company will be used.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Technology Coordinator Mardy Herr reported on replacing 10-15 year old smart board with IFP (interactive flat panel) televisions, some aging Chromebooks, the ease of adding new students with FinalForms and plans to improve wireless access in locations including the media center.

Middle School Principal Josh Kauffman reported on sports, quiz bowl and e-sports. He was preparing to take students to outdoor school with the assistance of 26 parents and noted that 8th graders went on three trips: to a World War II reenactment at Lauer Historical Farm, Apollo Career Center, and the “poo” plant (Village water treatment facility).

Elementary Principal Ben Theil reported that the Bluffton Fire Department provided a full scale assembly for Fire Safety Week. He noted that the 3rd grade state testing to be conducted that week might be eliminated by state legislation (House Bill 497). Theis gave a shout out to the tech department for setting up the use of virtual reality (VR) goggles.

Superintendent Greg Denecker commented that the elimination of the 3rd grade testing was likely. He noted that teachers would have IXL training on the next work day.

Denecker noted that 17 high school students were taking the ACT prep course, paid for by the school. A financial meeting in November will take place online; parents appreciated the convenience and ability to review information. He thanked Findlay City Schools for their partnership in the outdoor school opportunity.

The superintendent welcomed sisters Lauren and Alyssa Speicher to the meeting, announcing that Lauren had been designated as National Merit Scholar semifinalist for 2023 and Lauren is a commended student for outstanding academic potential. When they were congratulated, the girls noted that it was “a long process.”

Denecker also announced that board member Jeremy Scoles had received a 2022 OSBA Aptitude Award from the Ohio School Boards Association. He is one of 38 board members to be recognized.

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.

NEXT MEETING
Monday, November 21
• 7:30 p.m. in the Elementary School media center, 102 S. Jackson St.