PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
THANK YOU … Elementary Principal Andrea Thiel thanked third-grade students, teachers, Chamber of Commerce Director Wendy Gericke, volunteers, and businesses who helped make the first Lemonade Day, held on Saturday, May 16, a great success.
PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
LEMONADE DAY … Not even the rainy weather could dampen the spirits of Archbold Elementary third-grade students during Lemonade Day, where they applied business skills by selling lemonade to raise money for the family of beloved teacher Mrs. Black, following her passing from cancer.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
On Tuesday, May 19, the Archbold Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting in the high school media center with board members Tyson Stuckey, Jeremy Hurst, Skeat Hug, Christine Ziegler, and Gina Dominique present.
Elementary Principal Andrea Thiel, Middle School Principal Matt Shields, High School Principal Royal Short, and Superintendent Jayson Selgo were on hand to share the latest school news. Also in attendance was Connie Nicely, who will be taking over the reins as the district treasurer on July 1.
In addition to her duties as board member, Ziegler was appointed to serve as Treasurer Pro-Tem in Interim Treasurer John Kahmann’s absence.
After approving the removal of a scheduled executive session, the board approved the agenda.
In educational reports, Elementary Principal Thiel praised third-grade students, teachers, Chamber of Commerce Director Wendy Gericke, volunteers, and businesses who helped make the first Lemonade Day, which was held on Saturday, May 16, a great success, despite the rainy weather.
“I do need to take a moment to thank Ben Gericke,” Thiel said. “He really just stepped up and took the lead on this project.”
The event held special meaning for the third-grade class, which experienced a difficult school year following the loss of teacher Samantha Black. Proceeds of the Lemonade Day benefited her family.
“The third grade has been through a lot this year with the loss of Mrs. Black,” Thiel said.
“The students and the teachers put in so much time learning how to be entrepreneurs, starting their business, making a business plan from beginning to end, and then executed it to perfection on Saturday.”
Lemonade Day locations included the Archbold ballfields, Archbold SuperValu, Lugbill Supply Center, Sherwood State Bank, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Astral Coffee Lounge, Fairlawn Haven, Scrapbook Corner, and Savvy Dog.
“The best part is the money raised helps support Samantha Black’s family,” Thiel added. “Proud of these kids and proud of this community.”
Thiel thanked AES teachers for their generosity throughout the year by participating in the “pay day jeans” ongoing fundraiser, where teachers donate funds in order to wear jeans on Fridays.
This year, the money collected helped several groups, including AES students and families in need, Bluestreak Buddies, Festival of Trees, the St. Martin Church Good Samaritan Fund, a Samantha Black Cancer Fundraiser, and other AES staff members who faced health issues during the school year.
Thiel reported that on May 7, Mrs. Cobb and the third-grade class displayed a wonderful performance of “Disney: The Movies, The Music,” which had some parents and grandparents in the audience singing along to their favorite tunes.
In her written report, Thiel recognized several “Bluestreaks Best” students for demonstrating the character trait of honesty. Those students include: Kindergarten: Kali Neuenschwander, Braelynn Faber, Kade Ruffer, Danny Steingass, Kinleigh Grieser, and Madelyn Clem.
First Grade: Michael Rossi, Gannon Morton, Avery Covarrubias, Jacob Kauffman, and Ivy Smith.
Second Grade: River Stuckey, Natelie Weaver, Urban Wyse, and Makenzee Rojo.
Third Grade: Ella Danielak, Emmett Buehrer, Camreigh Woolace, and Aaluna Crites.
Fourth Grade: Alena Spotts, Brantley Farbrother, Bryleigh Gors, and Kyla Weldy.
Specials: Kinsley Smith, Rylynn Allan, Cayson Wyse, Karlie Gruenhagen, and Enzo Ramos.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS
In middle school news, Principal Shields recognized Bluestreak Leaders: Harper Graber, Benji Stewart, Camilla Martin, and Zhane Cheney in fifth grade; Hudson Seibert, Scarlett Wanemacher, Tripp Dominique, and Ashlyn Cordes in sixth grade; Mae King, Carter Mignin, Kolton Ackerman, and Tessa Rufenacht in seventh grade; and Baylen Cordes, Henry Throne, Cecilia Sebert, and Bronzen Glore in eighth grade.
Also honored were Allison Gaona and Addy Barker, who earned the Fred Waring Director’s award for choir. Gaona also received the Excellence in Music Award for the middle school band.
The AMS Student Council has seen a busy month by volunteering at the Archbold Community Garden and Fulton County Humane Society, organizing Teacher Appreciation Week activities and a kickball tournament, and providing a pizza lunch at the elementary school.
HIGH SCHOOL AND DISTRICT NEWS
High School Principal Short presented the list of graduates for the 134th commencement ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, May 24, at 2:30 p.m.
Short also recognized “Triple Threat” high school athletes who participated in three or more sports during the school year. Those students include:
Freshmen – Brynlynn Atkinson, Molly Harris, Sadie Hausch, Carys Jacobs, Attalynn Jaggers, Lillian Miller, Demi Short, Ginger Ruffer, Logan Ruffer, Imani Zimmerman, Carson Armstrong, Walker Armstrong, Jasper Fruth, Eli Krueger, Zach Krueger, Layne Miller, Toran Plata, Maks Stuckey, Gentry Valentine, Javery Valentine, Elijah Verhoff, and Jack Weber.
Sophomores – Rupiika Dua, Aubree Hurst, Klaire Kern, Kaelyn Kinsman, Khloe Kruse, Maci Martz, Emma Meyer, Ethan Bowman, Wyatt Cline, Brexton Grime, Trevor Osterland, Tate Peterson, and Collin Short.
Juniors – Ariah Bagrowski, Makenna Bickel, Blaney Huffman, Emma Kurtz, Adelynn Nafziger, Reagan Wendt, Morgan Harris, Carter King, Aranjer Krieger, Brooks Miller, Garrett Stamm, and Hunter Warner.
Seniors – Charlee Forward, Tobi Heidenreich, Rudy Rodger, Lars Soles, and Ashton Stuckey.
In his report to the board, Superintendent Selgo welcomed Brenna Fidler, who will be serving as a high school guidance counselor. Selgo added that there are still staff openings that administrators are working to fill before the next board meeting in June.
He also took a moment to thank administrators, teachers, advisors, and volunteers who organized or helped with end-of-year activities, including the art show, wellness day, music concerts, field days, field trips, prom, and talent shows.
RENEWAL LEVY AND FUNDING
As Interim Treasurer Kahmann was unavailable to attend the evening’s board meeting, in his place, Board President Jeremy Hurst read the following statement to voters regarding the recent passage of the levy:
“We are deeply grateful to our community for their support in passing the recent renewal levy.
“At a time when the cost of everyday essentials continues to rise for families and schools alike, your vote reflects a strong commitment to our students, staff, and the future.
“Because of the support of our community, our district can continue to provide safe learning environments, all the educational opportunities, and the programs and services our students rely on every day without increasing the current tax rates.
“Our work as a board is not complete, though, as we work to propose funding solutions for our district over the next year plus that fit today’s challenging property tax environment, and address declining state revenue funding for public schools.
“Lastly, I just want to reiterate our thanks for the trust, partnership, and continued investment in our schools and community. Together, we are building a stronger future for every student.”
Board member Christine Ziegler weighed in by stating that after attending a tax reform seminar with other administrators, they learned the changes could significantly impact Ohio school districts.
She emphasized the importance of communicating clearly with taxpayers once the district fully understands how the tax reform will affect school funding, noting that additional public education will be important.
CONSENSUS AND PERSONNEL
As a part of its consensus agenda, the board approved minutes from its April 27 regular meeting and May 8 special meeting, as well as the April 2026 financial reports. The Class of 2026 graduate list was also presented and approved.
In Personnel recommendations, the board approved the Classified Substitute list for the 2026-2027 school year, the substitute teacher and paraprofessional lists provided by the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for the 2025-2026 school year, and one-year supplemental contracts for the 2026-2027 school year.
Other personnel actions included:
-Approved a one-year contract for Brenna Fidler as a High School Guidance Counselor for the 2026-2027 school year.
-Approved the resignation of Mary Alvarez, effective May 29, 2026.
-Approved a contract for Emily Hammersmith as a tutor for extended school year services for up to a total of 30 hours, for Summer 2026.
-Approved a termination of shared service agreement with Wauseon Exempted Village School District for the contract of Treasurer, effective July 1, 2026.
-Approved a one-year contract for Laura Kennedy as a Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.
-Approved the amendment of resignation for the purpose of retirement for Jeff Benecke to reflect an effective date of May 31, 2026.
-Approved Josh Voll as a Technology Assistant for up to 160 hours for Summer 2026.
The next Archbold Board of Education meeting is scheduled for June 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.