By: Tim Kays
Members of the Fayette Local Board of Education convened in regular session via Zoom on the evening of February 16.
Treasurer Kelly Bentley reported that the District is working with Hilltop Securities in refinancing their two large bonds to achieve a lower interest rate and save taxpayers money. This action is not for the solicitation or purchase of new bonds, but is only for the cost saving refinancing of the currently existing bonds.
In other reports to the Board, Superintendent Angela Belcher reported that the school staff will be administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination by the Fulton County Health Department on February 27.
Elementary Principal Allie Reucher said that Preschool registration and Kindergarten screening will be on May 3, and Technology Coordinator Becky Short reported the receipt of new Chromebooks for the eighth grade as part of a CARES grant.
In matters related to personnel, the Board approved the monthly updated substitute teacher and paraprofessional list from the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for fiscal year 2021. Unpaid leave was granted to Jaime Rupp on January 28, Pamela Schultz on April 19, and Ivy Kunkle on March 29. FMLA leave was approved for Carol Burkholder from February 3-12, and for Jeffrey Dunford from January 21 to March 2. Motion #21-13 for FMLA leave for Sarah Weiland from January 19 to January 29 was rescinded in favor of FMLA leave from February 16 to May 17.
One-year supplemental contracts for 2020-2021 were extended to Travis Wagner as a varsity baseball assistant, and Brooke Hines as a softball assistant. Receiving one-year supplemental contracts for 2021-2022 were Bryan Stambaugh as Varsity Cross Country Coach, Matt Maginn as JH Cross Country Coach, Jacy Wagner as Varsity Volleyball Coach, Ryan Colegrove as Varsity Golf Coach, Hunter Colegrove as Assistant Golf and JH Golf Coach, and Michael Brubaker as JH/ Assistant Track Coach. Kortney Kessler was awarded a one-year supplemental contract as JV Volleyball Coach for 2021-2022.
The Board approved a request for students, grades 9-12, to participate in Esports for practice and competition as a club during 2020-2021. High School Principal Jon Molter said that he is excited to see a new club starting for the school, noting that it has gained popularity among other Ohio high schools. High School science teacher John Sorrell will be donating his time to help the students participate in the club.
The Board approved donations of $750 from Midwest Energy for second grade classroom supplies, and $390 from the Fayette Athletic Boosters for cross country tee shirts.
In other actions, the Board approved the membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for 2021-2022, and a five-year contract with the Northern Buckeye Education Council for managed internal broadband services and equipment, from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2026.
The Board also agreed to a one-year contract with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center to provide services for 2021-2022, and joining the OHI Charter Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program for 2021.
Tim can be reached at tim@thevillagereporter.com