L-R) Bluffton Elementary third grade teachers and students: Mrs. Donaldson, Eliana Rettig, Grace Warner, Mrs. Inniger, Kamea Kaufman, Miss McCafferty, Mrs Raeburn and Lena Macke. PHOTO by Betsi Werling.

By Betsi Werling

The May 22 meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education included actionable items and a presentation by some of Bluffton Elementary’s third graders on their Little House on the Prairie projects. 

The Board welcomed the following 3rd grade teachers and students: 

• Mrs. Raeburn accompanied by Lena Macke 
• Miss McCafferty accompanied by Kamea Kaufman 
• Mrs. Donaldson accompanied by Eliana Rettig 
• Mrs. Inniger accompanied by Grace Warner 

Each student showed their constructed cabins made from supplies not purchased at a store. Several were proud of their baby carriages with each using different materials. One cabin even had a ladder for Laura and Mary’s bed. 

CONTINUES

Paula Parish reported that the School Board will meet on June 27, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. to approve the Bluffton Public Library budget. Also included in her report were fund adjustments on things such as Class of 2024 Fund, Post Prom Fund and several teacher grants. 

Superintendent Greg Denecker shared that for FY2024 - Bluffton Exempted Village Schools received an EPA grant for a food digester. This digester essentially pulls the moisture out of the food and breaks it down for composting. It will be installed in the middle school cafetorium and the high school will be able to utilize it as well. The food digester essentially eliminates food waste. Fewer than 10 schools in Ohio will have this equipment. 

The Board passed the continuation of Service Agreements with Allen County ESC. The schools will have a psychologist four days a week next year. Other services provided by Allen County ESC include Occupational and Physical Therapy. 

Trystahn Eyerly was introduced at the meeting. He will continue on as the Technology Administrative Assistant for 2024-2025. He has taken several classes and was employed in the technology industry previously. Additional supplemental contracts such as bus driving, MS track coach and substitute teachers were approved. 

By a vote of 3-2, the board approved the resignation of high school art teacher Vickie Garmon, submitted for purposes of initiating earned retirement benefits, effective May 24 and the employment Mrs. Garmon beginning August 20.

The Board approved advertising and receiving bids for a new school bus. This will bring the fleet to seven; all are 84 passenger buses. 

The district received donations for school lunch debts in addition to 3 memorial gifts in honor of Steve Bruskotter who taught his whole career in the Bluffton Schools. 

The Board approved the list of 2024 graduates who successfully completed all their graduation requirements. 

Bluffton High School commencement will take place on Saturday, May 25 in the High School Gym. Board member Jeremy Scoles attended Apollo’s Senior Honors Night and saw six Bluffton students graduate. Another highlight was the prestigious award for Ohio’s Outstanding CFO/Treasurer. This award was presented to Apollo’s CFO/Treasurer Maria Rellinger. Ms. Rellinger has been a Treasurer for 17 years and has most recently been with Apollo for the last 7 years. 

Technology coordinator Courtnee Morris shared that he has worked hard to get Chromebooks and desktops on a 5-year rotation to keep up with the ever changing technology needs. Courtnee reported that StandOut Creative Studio were on site recently to produce a series of videos that will promote all the wonderful things happening within the Bluffton School District. 

High School Principal Mike Minnig shared that the academic awards were held last week. He reported that several athletes are seeing success and moving on to regionals for Track. He also announced that the last Marching Band performance would be Monday during the Memorial Day Parade. 

Middle School Principal Doug Westrick shared they would be holding the Honors Day breakfast on Friday, May 24, where students would be recognized in front of their peers for their achievements. Mr Westrick also reported that there are some new electives being added next year. 

Elementary Principal Ben Thiel shared that Field Day went well and there was lots of parent participation. Thiel reported that the 4th and 5th graders participated in crossfit-style activities during field day as well.