PHOTOS BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FINANCIAL FORECAST … Board member Tyson Stuckey (left) and Jeremy Hurst (right) hear highlights from the most recent state-mandated Financial Forecast prepared by new district treasurer Connie Nicely (center).
BACK-TO-SCHOOL … Curriculum Director Michele Bagrowski provides Resident Educator Program details to the board while school facility dog Knox eases into the back-to-school routine.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On Monday, August 17, the Archbold Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting, with board members Tyson Stuckey, Gina Benecke, Chris Ziegler, Skeat Hug and Jeremy Hurst seated around the table.
District administrators were also on hand, including Middle School Principal Matthew Shields, High School Principal Royal Short, Curriculum Director Michele Bagrowski, Treasurer Connie Nicely, and Superintendent Jayson Selgo.
FINANCIAL FORECAST
Treasurer Nicely reported that the district’s financial outlook is more positive than it was in February of 2026, primarily because FY26 ended favorably due to staffing changes that generated salary savings, new levy revenue was factored in, and some expenses, particularly utilities, were less than past projections.
While future employee health insurance costs are unknown, the forecast for that expense was reduced from 8 percent to 6 percent since those costs appear to be trending more favorably, according to the treasurer.
Purchase service projections were also reduced by $135,000, as the actual costs came in lower than previously expected.
However, Nicely noted that the district will have a better handle on the forecast once the second-half tax settlement information becomes available later in the fall.
Once those numbers are received, she plans to conduct another forecast update in the fall of this year, rather than wait until the February Financial Forecast is due to the state.
“I’m not sure why we (the state) changed it (forecast deadline) to August,” Nicely remarked. “There’s just so much that we’ll have come in October/November. So I’ll definitely be doing another update.”
Nicely explained that the state-required forecast is now called the Financial Forecast, replacing the former Five-Year Forecast.
It includes three years of historical data, the current-year budget, and projections for the three following years.
The treasurer noted that less emphasis is placed on the final projected year because it is farther into the future and could be significantly affected by future state budgets and levy renewals.
ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS
With K-12 students returning to class on Wednesday, August 19, administrators shared updates on the preparations completed over the summer for the upcoming year.
Since Elementary Principal Andrea Thiel was unable to attend the board meeting due to the elementary open house, Selgo reported on her behalf.
Thiel’s written report welcomed new staff members: fourth grade teacher Emilee Bassett, third grade teacher Naomi Smithmyer, and intervention specialist Madilyn Coler.
Thiel also praised the custodial staff and Steve Lange for the time and effort put toward projects to get the elementary school ready for students.
Enrollment at AES as of August 12 is as follows: Kinderstreaks (15), kindergarten (74), first grade (80), second grade (98), third grade (82), and fourth grade (95).
Upcoming events in the elementary include Bus Safety Presentations during the week of Monday, August 24, an assembly on September 1, and elementary school pictures on Friday, September 4.
In his report to the board, AMS Principal Matthew Shields welcomed new teachers Luke Brewster, Mallory Keister and Robert Orta. He explained that Allison Bentley has transitioned to teach seventh grade science and health.
Enrollment at AMS is as follows: fifth grade (83), sixth grade (76), seventh grade (88), and eighth grade (78).
Four students in Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center units are housed in other districts, and three part-time students have enrolled to participate only in AMS music classes.
Upcoming events at AMS include school pictures on August 25 and an eighth grade trip parent meeting on August 27.
According to Principal Royal Short, AHS students will hit the ground running on their first day back in class with school pictures, various meetings, and safety plan practice.
Enrollment at AHS is as follows: ninth grade (103), 10th grade (81), 11th grade (90), and 12th grade (105).
Attending Four County Career Center to complete vocational programs are 27 students from the junior class and 22 seniors.
Principal Short welcomed new school counselor Brenna Fidler, Ethan Psurny (math), and Nathan Jean-Louis (yearbook/STEM).
Another new face in the high school is Brewster, who serves as band director at both the high school and middle school.
Taking a moment to praise Brewster, who recently graduated from BGSU, Short shared, “He’s already had a band camp, a parade, and an extra performance that isn’t typical, but he’s taking it all in stride. He’s doing a fabulous job.”
The high school principal noted that thanks to contributions from local businesses, community members, and the Touchdown Club, Archbold students can attend home football games at no cost.
Speaking on student seating arrangements, Short instructed that elementary students in grades PK-4 must remain with their parents in the bleachers, while middle schoolers in grades 5-8 are to sit in the section directly above the high school students.
Upcoming events at AHS include League Golf on September 16 and 18, picture retakes on October 5, the Homecoming Game on October 16 and, on October 17, the Homecoming Dance.
In her report, Curriculum Director Michele Bagrowski shared with the board details about the Resident Educator Program, explaining that it provides two years of mentoring to new teachers focused on instructional planning, classroom management, and formative feedback.
Bagrowski asked the board to approve the teacher mentors assisting the 11 new teachers who are taking part in the initiative.
Highlighting another program, Bagrowski pointed out that the English Learners Program, which offers translation, bilingual instruction, assignment modification, testing accommodations, and family support, currently serves 14 students.
Bagrowski also noted that the district is reviewing new science curriculum options for grades 3-8 because the current programs are either outdated or discontinued.
Selgo discussed the district’s involvement with the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS), an advocacy network representing roughly 150 public school districts across southeast and northwest Ohio. Originally formed to give a unified legislative voice to rural Appalachian schools, CORAS has expanded to include mid-sized and rural school districts that share similar funding and operational challenges.
Selgo outlined plans to proactively address school funding issues before upcoming state legislative sessions and Ohio’s next biennial budget process.
As part of the effort, a “talking-points” handout was created to ensure teachers, staff, and community members have consistent information. The handout was sent to teachers and staff and will be posted on the school’s website in the future.
CONSENSUS AGENDA FINANCIAL APPROVALS
The board approved its June 29, 2026, regular meeting minutes as well as the June financial reports, which included the transfer of an additional $1,058 from the General Fund to the Athletics Fund to cover fiscal year-end and an appropriation of $8,156.86 to the Early Childhood Fund. July 2026 financial reports were also approved.
The district accepted $3,535 in donations, which included a $140 anonymous donation to Athletics, an $850 anonymous donation to Softball, and $2,545 from various donors to Archery.
Then and Now Certifications for BSN Sports in the amount of $3,797.57 and Jostens for $6,558.50 were authorized. A fund transfer of $4,581.49 from the Class of 2030 account to the Class of 2031 account was approved.
Additionally, the board approved temporary appropriations to the following line items: Uniform School Supplies ($1,000), District Managed Activity ($10,000), 5th Quarter Grant ($2,510.46), Misc. State Grants ($6,590), and 590 Title II-A ($385).
The board approved the FY2026 annual reporting requirement for the purchase of Commercial Paper and Bankers Acceptances, per ORC 135.142, signed off on an agreement with Neola, Inc. and authorized an Assignment of USDA Foods Member Agreement with the Southwestern Ohio Educational Purchasing Council.
The District’s Financial Forecast, which is due to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce by August 31, was given the green light for submission. Treasurer Nicely was also authorized to make needed investments, advances, transfers and appropriation modifications and report them to the board at its next regular meeting.
AGENDA PERSONNEL
In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, bus routes were approved as well as a resolution for a transportation agreement for Joshua Grime. The board also approved the bus/van driver list for the new year.
The board approved one-year supplemental contracts for Emily Walker as ninth grade volleyball coach and Krayton Kern (50 percent) as a boys soccer coach.
One-year contracts were also extended to Amy Sauder and Elizabeth Steingass as aides, and Ryan Nafziger as bus driver.
The board accepted resignations from Austin Welch, Jennifer Miller and Tom Miller.
Tying up loose ends, Technology Assistant Josh Voll was granted an extra 43 hours of work during Summer 2026.
The board also amended minutes from April 2026 for Resolution 26-0040 to reflect Justin Dominique’s continuing contract position as building supervisor.
In athletics staffing, one-year contracts were granted for the following football coaches: Jack Downey, Mitchell Hogrefe, Keith Elting, Derrick Baksa, Todd Ranzau, Dylan Dominique and Shawn Thompson.
The following individuals were approved to serve as volunteer coaches for the new school year: Robert Orta (football) and Emilee Bassett and Sarah Lovejoy (girls tennis).
One-year contracts were extended to the following teachers who serve a dual role as Resident Educator Mentors: Brad Hurst, Courtney Grisier, Dustie Vocke, Allison Bentley, Jessica Miller, Danielle Vandock, Jen Hurst and Jeremy King.
The substitute teacher and substitute paraprofessional lists provided by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center were also approved.
In an annual housekeeping matter, board member Chris Ziegler was appointed as delegate, and Gina Benecke will serve as alternate for the 2026 OSBA Annual Business Meeting.
Archbold Board of Education will convene for its next regular meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the Archbold High School Media Center.