By Betsi Werling
At the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education meeting on August 19, additional contracts for coaches, counselors and substitute staff, as well as substitute teachers, were approved. The use of a therapy dog in the schools was approved.
The board received a visit from Chris Ewing, pastor of County Line Church, who said he would keep the schools in his prayers at the beginning of the year.
Paula Parish reported that at the beginning of the year, money from the general fund is transferred to various activity accounts. A total of $6,100 was transferred to accounts including those of the marching band, Latin Club, some music groups and academic teams. Parish also reported that the district has received a clean audit for the 2022-2023 school year.
The following additional agreements were approved:
Renaissance Consultant – Amanda Hohenbrink
Girls Tennis Volunteer Assistant – Kelly McClure
High School Football Volunteer – Ethan Beringer
Girls Tennis Volunteer Assistant – Delany Dawson
Volunteer Assistant Boys Soccer – Connor Lee
Megan Morris was approved as substitute custodian. Carolyn Zimmerman was approved as substitute secretary, and Eric Garmatter was approved as substitute bus driver.
Several individuals have been approved as substitute teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.
The board has adopted a new policy for therapy dogs in schools. Paul Utendorf will have his dog Marty with him in the schools. In the event of a crisis, other dogs can come to visit the students.
Board member Jeremy Scoles reported that classes will begin at Apollo on Wednesday, August 21. He noted that the all-board dinner could be held in the new Public Safety Building, where a time-lapse video showed the progress on that building.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
High school principal Mike Minnig reported that 125 CCP students are enrolled in over 250 classes. Schedule changes have kept staff busy in recent days. He also reported that several sports teams have begun competing.
Middle school principal Doug Westerick reported that all of the technology equipment is ready for use and they will welcome five new teachers this year.
The new elementary school principal, Kori Bernal, reported that the photo days went well and that she was looking forward to the start of the new school year.
Maintenance Manager Mike Wilson reported that all exterior work has been completed and the sports fields are in excellent condition. Many of the outdoor areas have been pressure cleaned.
Technology Coordinator Courtnee Morris reported that new devices have been installed. New this year, all first-graders will receive a new Chromebook that they can keep through fourth grade. Fifth graders will also receive new Chromebooks that they can keep through eighth grade. Morris shared a video from Standout Creative Studios for the district. Each school has its own 30-second video for the district’s website.
Superintendent Greg Denecker reported that staff days will begin on August 20 and there will be professional development, including training for gifted students.
