Above) Shark Tank participants from Bluffton Middle School / PHOTO by Betsi Werling

By Betsi Werling

The Bluffton Board of Education held their monthly meeting on April 28 at 5:00 p.m. Items on the agenda included establishing a public hearing for the retire-rehire request by High School Principal Mike Minnig and the introduction of two new high school hires.

During public forum, the Board heard a presentation by some of the 8th graders who will participate in a Shark Tank event. The presenters were Carter Steinmetz, Max Fritsch, Siren Morris, Adalynn Rettig and Cam Verb. They discuss how their team organized their business. 

The Board also welcomed two new teachers for next year. Mallory Hefner is coming to Bluffton from Shawnee and will be teaching Biology and Anatomy in the high school. Will Nichol is coming from McComb and will be an intervention specialist in the high school.

Action items
Additional details can be found in the attached agenda.

The Board approved the school fees for the 2025-2026 academic year. None of the fees increased.

During contracts, assignments and resignations, Mr. Denecker shared that Hayley Heitmeyer and Stacy Lammers resigned and would be moving to different school districts. In addition, Julie Wolfe has resigned. 

Substitute Teachers and Educational Aides for 2024-25 were approved for the remainder of the academic year. 

The Board approved 22 certified contracts and 17 classified contracts (some 1-year, some 2-year). Four year contracts were approved for Middle School Principal Doug Westrick and Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris.

Updates to Handbooks and Board Policies for 2025-26 were approved. Superintendent Greg Denecker said nothing of substance changed; most of the revisions were dates or updated wording required by a new law. 

The Board established a public meeting on June 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Bluffton Elementary Media Center on the retirement and re-employment of High School Principal Mike MInnig.

Administrative reports
Elementary Principal Kori Bernal reported that Kindergarten screening was taking place this week and that vision, hearing and speech testing are a part of the process this year. Elementary staff completed Wonders training and now the curriculum committee will set up a plan of actions and quarterly goals. Most grades are taking State tests. 

Middle School Principal Doug Westrick reported that this was the last week of testing. Lifeline Organ Donation was on campus to talk with students about the process of organ donation. Next week, the Middle School will hold Shark Tank on May 6 and Night at the Museum May 7. Both events are open to the community. 

High School Principal Mike Minnig reported that on May 8 an incentive event will take place with a cookout for the students. Some students in the high school will be attending an event held by the Ohio Means Jobs Career Fair. During that event, a $1K scholarship will be announced. Academic awards are Tuesday, May 6. Tournament play is coming up in all spring sports. 

Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris reported that during testing he made sure there was extra equipment available for the success of students. This summer, his goal is to work on the lifecycle of equipment and rewiring some closets. 

Superintendent Denecker reminded the Board that the Annual Budget for the State of Ohio is moving through the legislature and is due by June 30, 2025.