FACILITY DOG UPDATE … Middle School Principal Matt Shields gives the Board an update on the facility dog, Knox’s first few weeks of school while Elementary School Principal Thiel and High School Principal Short look on.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Archbold Board of Education met on Monday, September 18, 2023, for their regular meeting in the High School Media Center with all board members present.
Also in attendance were Superintendent Jayson Selgo, Treasurer Joyce Kinsman, Elementary Principal Andrea Thiel, Middle School Principal Matt Shields, High School Principal Royal Short, and Curriculum Director Michelle Bagrowski.
Following the approval of the evening’s agenda, educational reports presented by staff were heard.
In elementary news, Principal Thiel updated the Board on enrollment numbers and testing. She also shared that AES continues its S.O.A.R. Reading Program for the 13th consecutive year, with local businesses supporting the initiative offering monthly prizes to students dedicated to reading.
The Elementary has implemented PBIS Reward Trips this year, designed to foster student responsibility and ownership of behavior, academic goals, and attendance.
Upcoming Events at AES include a First Grade Field Trip to Sauder Village on September 29.
Middle School Principal Matt Shields shared with the Board that Knox, the newly introduced facility dog, received a warm welcome from students who learned the proper etiquette for interacting with him.
Following a structured schedule, Knox spends his day assisting various staff members. Shields also spoke on the PBIS and 7 Mindsets initiatives designed to provide acknowledgment to those students embodying positive behavior and mindsets throughout the year.
Lastly, Shields notes that again this year, Mrs. Rosene and Mr. Scoop Miller will be offering extra support for students struggling with homework in the Study Table program.
Upcoming AMS Events include the 8th Grade Science Field Trip on September 19, Grandparents Day on October 6, and Spirit Week on October 9 – October 13.
High School Principal Short noted that Homecoming week is in full swing, thanks to the hard work of the cheerleaders, spirit committee, and student council.
Themed dress-up days and creatively decorated hallways set the tone. He also offered kudos to AHS FCCLA for organizing the Yellow Ribbon Week and raising over $5000 for suicide prevention.
The National Honors Society is reviewing applications, and inductions are set for Oct. 1. It was also noted that Ms. Makenna Whitacre will be directing the fall play, “Murder is in the Heir,” on November 11 and 12.
Upcoming AHS Events include Spirit Week on September 18-22, a bonfire on September 21, the Homecoming Game and Alumni Band Performance on September 22, the Homecoming Dance on September 23, and NHS Inductions on October 1.
Curriculum Director Bagrowski shared with the Board updates with regard to testing in the Elementary and Middle Schools.
Dr. Selgo expressed gratitude to Fulton County Ohio Means Jobs and The Home Restaurant for generously providing a breakfast to district staff on August 21st, setting a positive tone for the start of the school year.
The district and athletic department also extend thanks to various sponsors who have supported students by sponsoring their admission to sporting events.
This includes the Archbold Bluestreak Touchdown Club for the Archbold vs. LC Football game, and Frey & Sons for both the Archbold vs. Delta Girls Soccer and Archbold vs. Evergreen Girls Soccer matches.
The newest face to the Board meetings, Treasurer Joyce Kinsman, took a moment to familiarize the Board with financial reports that she will now be submitting on a monthly basis. Kinsman took over for former Treasurer Christine Ziegler who retired July 31.
As a part of the Consensus Agenda, the Board approved the August 14, 2023 minutes, August 2023 financial reports, FY24 permanent appropriations, FY24 estimated resources, and various donations received by the district.
A resolution approving a transportation agreement with Aaron Short for the 2023-2024 school year and a bid submitted by Coughlin Cars of $73,000 for a new 10-passenger shuttle van were also approved.
The Board approved a bid for a door access control project by Flex-Com in the amount of $65,135. OFCC Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant Program funds will be used to finance that project.
In personnel recommendations, many approvals were handed down by the Board for the 2023-2024 school year.
The paraprofessional substitute list provided by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center was okayed as was the 2nd, one-year contract for Danielle Vandock as Student Council advisor.
The one-year contract for Lauren Yoder as a playground aide provided, she meets all requirements and certifications.
Pending that all requirements and certifications are successfully met, the Board also approved one-year contracts for the following substitutes for the 2023-2024 school year: Kathleen Anderson, Karen Dominique, Jacob Thatcher, Meagan Beck, and Karen S. Nafziger.
Approval was also given for one-year contracts to student custodial workers Jacob Aleshire and Mason Miller for the 2023-2024 school year.
The substitute teacher list provided by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for the 2023-2024 school year was approved as presented.
On the athletic front, the Board approved high school and middle school athletic workers for the upcoming school year.
Among those spring coaches whose one-year supplemental contract was approved include: Head Softball Coach Sarah Dominique, Head Track Coach Rachel Kinsman, Head Baseball Coach Jeff Brunswick, and Head Tennis (Boys) Coach James Kidder.
The resignation of Kiersten Smith, as Elementary Playground Aide was also accepted effective August 25, 2023.
Upcoming Archbold Board of Education Meetings will be held on October 16, 2023, November 20, 2023, and December 18, 2023. All meetings will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the High School Media Center.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com
