By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
The Archbold Board of Education held it’s regular monthly meeting on Monday the 18th in the High School Media Center.
The meeting also served as a public hearing for the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar which will be before the board in January for approval.
The school district’s Treasurer/CFO, Joyce Kinsman, presented to the board the updated Five-year Forecast .
A portion of the statement by Kinsman read:
“This critical planning document emphasizes the district’s reliance on the renewal of the two Emergency Levies – the $1.1 million Emergency Levy and the $2.7 million Emergency Levy – to maintain financial stability and continue delivering high-quality educational services.”
“Based on the current student enrollment, staffing levels are aligned properly, but any significant shifts in student numbers could require adjustments to provide the same level of services.”
“The forecast includes salary increases for annual step increases for teachers and staff (not administrators) and column changes for increased education for teachers.”
“District expenditures are influenced by market conditions and operational needs, requiring ongoing monitoring of spending.”
“Notably, a small amount of deficit spending is anticipated in fiscal year 2027, which the district plans to address as circumstances evolve. Community members are encouraged to pay attention to Line 6.010 of the forecast, which provides a clear picture of the district’s financial health over time.”
In educational reports, Elementary Principal Andrea Thiel recognized Students of the Month for embodying the character trait of “enthusiasm.”
Those recognized included: Kindergarten – Violet Meyer, Rickie Nafziger, Alivia Jones, Josie Hammersmith, Crew Selgo, and Carter Short; First Grade – Rhodri Martin, Liam Thatcher, Bowen Short, and Beck Brennan; Second Grade – Delilah Hammersmith, Adalynn Reisser, Ella Yoder, and Teagan Rufenacht; Third Grade – Grayson Stickley, Macoy Miller, Remington Dominique, and Clara Emch; Fourth Grade – Andres Mireles, Winston Liechty, Malayla Gilroy, and Mason Yoder; Specials – Liam O’Brien, Lauber Ruffer, Paige Jones, Alejandro Jaramillo, and Zayne Rodriguez.
AES held its annual Halloween costume parade on October 31, featuring music from the AHS marching band. Parents and grandparents filled the gymnasium to enjoy the event along with students and staff. Students, staff, parents, and grandparents gathered in the gymnasium for the event.
The first trimester ended on November 15, with progress reports available online via PowerSchool starting November 19. Teachers are preparing for the upcoming Parent-teacher conferences scheduled to take place November 21, 25 and 26.
Upcoming AES events include the Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast on November 22 and a Fulton County Christmas Cheer Canned Goods Fundraiser from December 2-6.
Students are also looking forward to a third-grade field trip to the Toledo Walleye on December 4, PBIS reward trips for Kindergarten and First Grade on December 5, Second and Third Grade on December 6, and Fourth Grade on December 12. The second-grade Christmas program will also take place on December 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Middle School Principal Matt Shields noted in his report that AMS held its annual Veterans Day celebration, organized by Mr. Bryan Miller’s 8th-grade history classes in collaboration with local American Legion Posts.
The event honored 53 local veterans from all branches of service. The program featured a presentation of colors by the VFW, the National Anthem sung by eighth grader Ginger Ruffer, and “Taps” was performed by Julisa Nafziger and Elsie Mello.
Shields recognized Mindset Leaders for demonstrating the “Passion First” mindset. Those recognized included: Fifth Grade – Scarlett Bailey, Clayton Yedica, Corbin Spotts, Ellis Fruth, Wade King; Sixth Grade – Wyatt Stuckey, Abby Stevens, Carson Baden, Ruby Krueger, Parker Livensparger; Seventh Grade – Harper Yedica, Audree Plassman, Collin Rodriguez, Kemper Hug; Eighth Grade – Molly Harris, Layne Miller, Ava Jagger, Emmaline Hancock, Ronin Hawk.
AMS students participated in Honor Band and Choir events on November 13 and November 15, with public concerts following each day.
Sixth graders took part in a social media safety presentation and heard from representatives from the Fulton County Prosecutor’s Office, Probation Department, and Sheriff’s Office who educated students on the risks of social media use.
In his report, High School Principal Royal Short recognized Fall Scholar-Athletes for maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA while participating in sports.
Honorees included: Hannah Downing – Girls Golf, Callie Casey – Girls Golf, Bella Chapa – Girls Golf, Aniyah Copeland – Girls Golf, Grace Meyer – Volleyball, Keely Culler – Volleyball, Julisa Nafziger – Volleyball, Oliver Seibert – Cross Country, Caleb Harrow – Cross Country, Kirsten DeLong – Cross Country, Tessa Nafziger – Cross Country, Elizabeth Francis – Cross Country, Landynn Krugh – Soccer, Madden Valentine – Soccer, Carter Grime – Football, Jayden Gensler – Football, Evan Wendt – Football, Kurt Krueger – Football, Ellie Emmons – Girls Tennis.
In Music Department news, the fall play, directed by Ms. Whitacre, wrapped up a successful run, with actors and stage crew delivering great performances.
Upcoming events include performances by the AHS Company at community gatherings, a trip to New York City for both the band and choir and participation in the Festival of Lights Parade.
AHS students are actively supporting Fulton County Christmas Cheer. FFA is organizing a can drive, and both FFA and FCCLA members are volunteering at the event.
The Quiz Team has started practices with hopes of forming both varsity and JV teams. The season kicks off on December 2.
On October 25, AHS hosted its first Career Day, featuring an opening session on workplace skills led by Worthington Steel’s HR director.
Students then attended breakout sessions from a choice of 50 careers. State Representative Jim Hoops wrapped up the day with closing words.
AHS upcoming events include Parent/Teacher Conferences from November 21 to 26 and the Music Department Trip will take place from November 22 to 25.
On December 6, there will be a Sophomore Visit to Four County Career Center. The AHS Company will perform at Rotary on December 13, and the Band Concert will be held on December 19.
Curriculum Director Michele Bagrowski highlighted in her report Kindergarten Readiness Assessments and High School Fall OST Re-testing.
She also shared with the board information about the ROOTS website, which consolidates data for teachers and administrators in a single location. Bagrowski noted the data is used in guiding instructional decision-making.
Superintendent Dr. Jayson Selgo shared that several individuals associated with the district were recently recognized by the Archbold Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Banquet. LaRoy Martinez, Cross Country coach and FCA leader, received the Archbold Citizen of the Year award.
Billy Connors, AHS custodian and Bluestreak supporter, was honored with the Spirit of Archbold Award, and Caleb Wyse, musical assistant and Black Swamp Creative Arts Camp Director, was named one of the 40 Under 40.
He also noted that Rapback enrollment is now completed and all required employees are in the system. RAPBACK is a system in Ohio that tracks and updates criminal records for licensed educators and other professionals, allowing the Department of Education to monitor new arrests or convictions.
It is mandatory for educators to enroll, ensuring ongoing background checks for safety.
Moving on to the Consensus Agenda, the board approved minutes from the October 21 meeting as well as last month’s financial reports as presented by the treasurer.
The board approved the Annual Food and Beverage Standards report, tuition reimbursement for teachers continuing their education in the 2023-2024 school year, and the District’s Five-year Forecast for submission to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
In other financial matters, the board accepted $8,023.57 in donations from various individuals, organizations and businesses. Additionally, the board approved multiple appropriation modifications and estimated resource changes.
Moving onto personnel items, the board accepted the substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional lists submitted by Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center.
One-year contracts were approved for Classified Substitute Mason Miller, Musical Assistant Matthew Wachtman, Musical Assistant Josh Voll, Musical Director Caleb Wyse, Musical Director Adam Grisier, Musical Director Assistant Courtney Grisier, Concessions Manager Jill Nafziger and Concessions Manager Jess Short.
Julie Weber was appointed to serve as a musical volunteer while Nate Meyer as a volunteer wrestling coach.
Cody Ruffer, Colton Soles, and Rachel Kinsman were appointed as van drivers for the 2024-2025 school year.
The board accepted the resignation of bus driver Jennifer Fisher, effective November 29, 2024, and approved Melanie Gingrich as her replacement, with Gingrich set to begin on December 2, 2025.
Archbold School Board will hold its next regular meeting on December 16 in the High School Media Center.
