PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
ELEMENTARY OVERVIEW … Elementary Principal Lucas Smith reviews student programs and spring events with the board.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Edgerton Board of Education met on Monday, April 20. President Robert Siebenaler called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. After the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call was taken with members Lyn Bowsher, Nick Hug and Gary Plotts all in attendance. Dawn Fitzcharles was absent.
Also attending were CFO/Treasurer Bill Blakely, Elementary Principal Lucas Smith and High School Principal Brett Grieser.
Up first was approval of the meeting agenda, which was motioned by Bowsher and seconded by Plotts. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of the previous meeting minutes was next, motioned by Hug and seconded by Bowsher with all members approving.
The legislative report was postponed due to Fitzcharles’ unexpected absence, shifting the focus to the Treasurer’s agenda.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Blakely first presented the board with the customary General Fund report. Revenues are over expenditures by roughly $1.5 million year-to-date, which is typical for this time of year due to incoming real estate settlements. The fund is tracking about $290,000 ahead of last year at this point.
Revenues are up by $416,000 due mostly to property tax. Expenditures are also up by $127,000.
Expenditures are mostly due to wages and benefits payments. Several expenditure items have decreased, including purchased services due to fewer Edgerton students attending the H.O.P.E. center.
The next slide presented to the board compares the forecasted budget to current. Cash balance is up from the forecast but is expected to trend downward from here on out. Revenues either fall within the projected budget or slightly higher. Expenditures align with the forecasted budget.
Blakely then moved into the food service monthly reports, noting that the cash balance has increased to $3,000.
The fund is sitting at $200,000. Both lunch and breakfast participation have gone down at 74% and 35%, respectively.
Continuing the financial discussion was the release of the financial statement from the State Audit, which the board received via email.
BUS PURCHASE
Blakely next noted that he plans to bring a new bus purchase to the next board meeting for approval. He hopes to issue a letter of intent to Cardinal but will wait for the final amount from the Ohio Schools Council before seeking board approval. The expected cost is between $140,000 and $145,000.
Plotts asked how often they normally purchase a new bus. Blakely responded that they usually make a purchase every other year.
With the new bus barn, the life of the vehicles should be extended. Blakely explained that normally the vehicle body breaks down due to the elements.
Blakely noted that recently they did have two costly bus repairs, one being under warranty. Siebenaler asked about the price comparison to the previous bus purchase, which Blakely approximated at $10,000 to $15,000.
Before making his recommendations, Blakely informed the board he recently attended the OASBO, Ohio Association of School Business Officials, conference in Columbus. Blakely stated there was extensive information ranging from audits to pending legislation.
Blakely followed with one recommendation to approve the financial reports, bills for payment, appropriation, and estimated resources modification for March. The listed investments were as follows: StarOhio $3,558,252.10 at 3.87%, RedTree $3,355,740.52 at 4.23%, WesBanco MM $449,542.08 at 3.85%, State Bank CD $237,219.44 at 3.35% and Hicksville Bank CD $881,255.03 at 3.50%. Bowsher moved to approve and Hug seconded. All members approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S AGENDA
The board then turned their attention to the Superintendent’s Agenda, presented by Dr. Ben Wilhelm. Information items were first with the Four County Career Center meeting minutes, which were provided to the board.
Next, Wilhelm updated the current progress of the bus barn. Even though they are still awaiting pavement pouring, interior items are nearing completion and the bay doors have been adorned with Bulldog decals. Final state inspections are also in progress.
Wilhelm moved into administrative recommendations, starting with the approval of the NEOLA policy changes as presented. The changes are driven by state legislation and range from testing CDL holders to imitation meat in the cafeteria.
Next recommendation was to accept the NRA Foundation Teach Freedom Grant in the amount of $4,295 and is in conjunction with the Edgerton Police Department.
The grant funding will support the safety and security program at the school, contributing supplies and training.
COMMENDATIONS
Wilhelm presented a lengthy list of commendations, starting off with the honor roll list ranging from third grade through 12 and Four County Career Center, all provided to the board.
Wilhelm continued, expressing thanks to everyone who donated in the recent Red Cross Blood Drive, held on March 13. Forty-seven units were collected, which can save 141 lives.
Continuing, congratulations were expressed to Senior Kylie Perry, who was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Franklin B. Walter scholarship.
The statewide program honors one outstanding senior from each Ohio county, recognizing academic achievement and leadership.
As part of the process, each recipient attends the ESC and selects an honorary teacher, with Perry choosing Olivia Schaffner.
Lastly, Wilhelm commended the cast, student helpers, Director Cody Moser, Director Kelly Bales, the support staff and the Edgerton Music Boosters for the production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.
PERSONNEL
Personnel recommendations followed. The first item was to rescind the board action taken on March 16 which approved the retirement and rehire of Gayle Adams. Adams’ retirement situation changed and she has already contacted STRS,
The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio. Adams would continue with the existing contract into next year.
The next recommendation was the approval of a one-year contract for Carrie Zeedyk, who was in attendance, as a teacher for the 2026-2027 school year pending pre-employment requirements.
Principal Smith explained that staffing has presented a unique challenge and the administration has had to get creative. Smith explained that they were able to work with Ohio State University to have Zeedyk complete her student teaching at Edgerton.
This fulfilled the degree requirements and also filled a much-needed long-term substitute position.
Wilhelm continued through recommendations with approval of the current NWOESC substitute list for paraprofessionals and teachers. Next was the acceptance of the resignation of McKayla Swank as Fall Assistant Cheer Advisor and Winter Cheer Advisor at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.
A second resignation to accept followed, with Shanea Herman as the Mat Maids advisor. The last resignation was of Duane Miller III as the boys varsity head basketball coach.
The non-renewal supplemental contract followed, being an annual action. The non-renewals were for both McKayla Swank and Shanea Herman.
The recommendations continued with approval for an overnight trip for Quiz Bowl members, advisor Olivia Schaffner and van driver Bill Blakely to the Small School National Championship Tournament. The tournament is being held in Chicago and the trip will span from April 24 through April 26. This is the third year the team has attended.
The next recommendation was to approve the 2026-2027 supplemental contracts as follows: Carrie Zeedyk for Junior High Volleyball, Stefanie Bowsher for Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball, Nicholas Archer for Junior Varsity Girls Basketball, Tom Nye for Varsity Boys Wrestling, Ben Brown for Junior High Wrestling, Shaun Murphy for Varsity Girls Wrestling and Jordan Culler for Winter Season Cheer Advisor.
Two athletic department volunteers were also up for approval, Halle Siebenaler for girls basketball and Rick Herman for wrestling. Bowsher motioned to approve all personnel recommendations. Hug seconded the motion and all members approved.
A final personnel recommendation concluded the superintendent’s agenda. The recommendation was to approve a winter supplemental contract for 2026-2027, an annual action, for Patrick Bowsher as Varsity Girls Basketball coach. Hug moved to approve, with Plotts seconding. All members approved except Bowsher, who abstained. The motion passed.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
The final two items on the agenda were the principals’ reports from Smith and Grieser. Smith was first up with the elementary updates.
Again Smith commended Zeedyk and looked forward to having her onboard next year, stating she has been able to fit well into the culture subbing for multiple grade levels.
Smith’s first item was directing the board’s attention to several pictures from the recent Bulldog’s Best assembly.
Smith also shared pictures from the recent third grade field trip to Butler Bowl. The class was selected based on best class attendance, grades and least disciplinary actions.
Smith stated it was neat to see certain kids who struggle sometimes in academic environments thrive at the bowling alley and other students who have never been bowling fascinated by the ball return.
The next update was also photos from the recent Bulldog with Ties program. Wilhelm was welcomed as a recurring guest speaker.
Smith concluded with a multitude of upcoming events. State testing is already underway with ELA testing concluded and math and science in the coming two weeks for grade three through six.
Kindergarten screening will take place on April 30 and May 1, with the current kindergarten being out of session to allow teachers to participate in screenings and evaluations.
The PTO Daddy Daughter Dance will be held on Sunday, May 3. May 4 will start Teacher Appreciation Week. The school health walk will be held May 8.
Several upcoming field trips are on the schedule. Smith himself is excited about the upcoming MTSS meeting on May 11, where DIBELS and academic scores are evaluated and plans are made for next year.
The first round of the Edgerton Developing Greatness Everyday (EDGE) competition will begin on May 14, with 12 judges coming in for the interview portion.
The top ten students will compete in dinner etiquette and social skills at Sam’s Place in Blakeslee, with five judges. The final competition between the top three to five kids will be hosted at the Village Hall with five judges including Mayor Bob Day. Students will compete in public speaking.
The last item is the academic award, which will be held on May 19. That same evening will host Kindergarten graduation and a special Bulldogs with Ties dinner.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Principal Grieser followed, starting off by touching on the hard work and exceptional presentation of the musical.
Grieser stated, “What stood out to me was how well the kids knew their lines, and how many lines maybe there were. And their ability to sing. There is work, there is time, there is commitment.”
Grieser noted the included pictures of Marcy Kaptur speaking to Mr. Matt Krill’s senior government classes.
Grieser explained Mr. Krill tries to bring in varied guest speakers throughout the year with different backgrounds.
Grieser included pictures from the recent band and choir trip to Disney over spring break. Students were able to not only visit each park but also had the opportunity to work with several clinicians.
He shared an email they received commending several students. A family stood in line with some Edgerton students and were very impressed, noting the students entertained the children and sang Happy Birthday to them.
The family was so impressed they took the time to look up Edgerton Schools and reach out. Grieser also shared the story on social media.
The next update was the recent house assembly where team Optimus currently holds the trophy, which was designed by students in the STEAM Lab. Over 110 pounds of pop tabs were collected and donated to the Ronald McDonald House.
Grieser also shared pictures from the recent Edgerton Area Foundation scholarship interviews, where 16 seniors participated. The students represented the school very well.
Spring athletics are fully underway with track, baseball and softball.
Recently, Grieser had the opportunity to tour Four County Career Center. He noted for the second year in a row Orlando Puente was his tour guide. Grieser stated he was a wonderful guide.
A special congratulations went out to Ty Leppelmeier. Leppelmeier holds the school record for shot put and discus, recently breaking his own record. Grieser said you can see Leppelmeier out at the track almost year round working at it.
Grieser continued with congratulations to the Quiz Bowl team who recently competed at state. The team tied for 17th out of 64 teams, and tied for third out of 32 small schools.
Grieser closed with a rundown of upcoming events. He will return to Four County on Thursday evening for the National Technical Honor Society ceremony, where three Bulldogs will be inducted.
Prom is scheduled for May 2, followed by Senior Award Night on May 6, Mock Interviews on May 8, the Softball Tournament on May 11 and the Track Tournament on May 18. Senior Week will also kick off on May 18, with Graduation set for May 24.
Instead of the recurring Breakfast with Bulldogs event, May 8 will have Snacks with Bulldogs in the afternoon.
With no further agenda items and no need for executive session, Plotts motioned to adjourn and Bowsher seconded. The motion passed, adjourning the meeting at 6:32 p.m.
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, May 18.