By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Edgerton Local Board of Education held its regular meeting on Monday, November 10. Board members in attendance were Lyn Bowsher, Robert Siebenaler, Amanda Giesige, and Nick Hug. Bill Swank was absent.
Following approval of the October 20 meeting minutes and the October financial report, the board recognized two members, Makayla Keppeler and Avrie Herman of the Edgerton Future Farmers of America, who earned awards at the recent National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Keppeler, a 2023 Edgerton graduate, received her American FFA degree. Herman earned national recognition in the Agriscience Division III category, where she was a top ten finalist. She placed fourth in the nation.
The board commended the recent inductees into the National Honor Society, including Caitlyn Anders, Clara Collins, Rose Drown, Abigail Fry, Ava Gineman, Ty Leppelmeier, Neveah Timbrook, Chloe Blakely, Ian Cronin, Evelyn Gerschutz, Avrie Herman, Logan Samper, Whitney Wright, Kaitlyn Burke, Jon Cronin, Mason Elden, Megan Gerschutz, Kaitlyn Hesselschwardt, Cara Schroeder, and Alyvia Yoder.
Superintendent Ben Wilhelm reported on the recent Veterans Day program, which was a huge success.
He thanked the John D. Smith American Legion Post Honor Guard; the middle and high school choir and band students; high school student Logan Samper; elementary students for their musical performance and staff members; Jason Zumbaugh for playing taps; Williams County Sheriff and U.S. Army Veteran Thomas Kochert as guest speaker along with the student body, district staff, community support in honoring local veterans.
In personnel action, the board approved the following:
-The current NWOESC substitute list for paraprofessionals and teachers for the 2025-26 school year.
-Non-renewal of all fall sports supplemental coaching and advisor contracts.
-Shaun Murphy as girls’ varsity wrestling coach.
-Chelsea Blue as junior high cheerleader advisor for the winter sports season.
-Kelly Bales as high school musical advisor.
-Hallee Siebenaler and Ally Cape as varsity girls’ basketball volunteers.
-Resignation of David Shufelt as bus driver for the 11 a.m. preschool/pre-kindergarten route effective October 16.
The board also approved NEOLA policy changes as presented at the October 20 meeting. The district will hold its organizational and regular board meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Elementary Principal Lucas Smith reported the quiz bowl team recently finished runner-up in the countywide competition, along with the sixth-grade band concert, elementary book fair, and costume parade.
Upcoming elementary school events include Lifetouch picture retakes, the annual Santa Shop, and the Christmas program to be held on Monday, December 8.
High School Principal Brett Grieser reported that the recent “Breakfast with our Bulldogs” was a huge success. The high school band and choir will be performing on Sunday, December 7.
Donations were accepted from Big C Lumber for screws and nails to the Ag department for project use by Ag students ($500) and St. Mary Parish Festival Committee ($250) for use of the school kitchen facilities in conjunction with the festival.
An executive session was held for the discussion of personnel, with no action taken.