PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FACILITIES UPDATE … Board Member Gary Plotts, Superintendent Ben Wilhelm, and Board President Robert Siebenaler discuss the latest developments in the bus barn construction.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Edgerton Board of Education met on Monday, March 16. President Robert Siebenaler called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance and moved directly into roll call.
Members present were Lyn Bowsher, Gary Plotts, Dawn Fitzcharles, and Nick Hug; also in attendance were Superintendent Ben Wilhelm, Treasurer/CFO Bill Blakely, Elementary Principal Lucas Smith, and High School Principal Brett Grieser.
Starting off, the meeting’s agenda was approved by the board with no revisions. Bowsher made the motion to accept the agenda with Hug seconding the motion.
The board also approved the previous meeting minutes, waiving the reading. The motion to approve was made by Plotts and seconded again by Hug. The motion passed unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT
With no public participation, the board turned its attention to the Treasurer’s agenda containing a few items to report and several recommendations.
Blakely started with the general fund updates, a regular piece of his monthly reports. Revenue was up from last year by $295,000 due mostly to property and income taxes.
Unrestricted state income was up but restricted state income was down, which Blakely stated he expects to continue.
Expenditures were up as well compared to last year by $115,000, the largest drivers being salary and benefits. Even with the increase, revenues are still up over expenditures by $158,000.
That puts the district $180,000 ahead of last year’s position at this time. Cash balance is slightly up over the planned amount. Revenue for the month is slightly lower than planned but the year to date is in line with projections.
Expenditures were down the last few months and are trending just below the overall year projections.
Food service was the next item in the treasurer’s report, showing a slight decrease from last month, with the fund balance moving from $199,000 to $197,000. Lunch participation continues to stay steady at around 75%.
Student breakfast participation has stayed consistent as well, holding at around 35%.
Blakely followed with a brief update on the State Audit, which has been completed and is currently under review by the State’s IT contractor.
Blakely anticipates a note, similar to what has been seen in the past, regarding Payschool, the district’s payment-management service provider. Blakely explained that Payschool has been working toward achieving SOC (System and Organization Controls) designation.
The company has already obtained SOC 1, which covers controls related to financial reporting, but he cautioned that a SOC 2, which addresses data security and privacy controls, may also be required.
The last item before moving into recommendations was a planned software upgrade to support better long-term financial planning, which had been discussed with Bowsher as a member of the Audit Committee and with Wilhelm.
The upgrade would allow capital improvement projects to be built into the system and budgeted using either permanent improvement or general funds, while also providing improved asset traceability.
Plotts asked about the cost, and Blakely explained that the initial expense would be $10,000, including on-site installation support, with an annual cost of $4,000.
It would operate as a year-to-year contract, and the new agreement will be shared with the board once it is received.
Fitzcharles then asked whether the software would allow the district to track the disposal of capital assets or if it was geared more toward infrastructure.
Blakely believed it would apply in those situations as well, though he noted such disposals are not common for the district.
Fitzcharles remarked that the tool would be very useful, and Blakely agreed, adding that upgrading from spreadsheets is necessary especially for future planning.
The agenda then moved into the Treasurer’s recommendations, starting with the approval of the financial report, a routine monthly approval item.
Blakely previously shared all figures with the board electronically and briefly skimmed the account figures, stating Star Ohio at over $3 million and ending with the Hicksville CD at $878,727.18.
The next recommendation was to approve the satellite program with Four County Career Center for a STEM Career Tech Fund. The fund has already been established through FCCC.
The last recommendation was to approve the initial estimates of the NWOESC 2026-2027, which is up about 8%-9% from last year.
Plotts took the opportunity to inquire about the in-house STEM lab. Grieser stated the change over to a full-time educator staffed lab has made a big improvement to the projects that can be undertaken.
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The lab has also been able to coordinate with the Agricultural Science classes to work on projects together. Not only have projects improved, but management of the lab has seen a significant improvement.
Bowsher then motioned to approve the treasurer recommendations. Hug seconded the motion and all board members approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
The next matter before the board was a recommendation to approve a five-year contract with Ben Wilhelm as district superintendent. The contract would span the 2026-2027 through the 2030-2031 school year, starting at $109,000 with a 2% annual increase.
This contract will supersede the remaining year of the current contract. Siebenaler personally praised Wilhelm’s work.
Plotts had a few contract-related questions involving board-covered STRS, State Teachers Retirement System, benefits and time off.
Plotts wanted to ensure the legality since state law required a board policy for the amount stated in the contract.
Blakely clarified that the contract serves as a policy and a separate one is not required, adding the contract had been through legal review. With that clarification, Hug motioned to approve and Bowsher seconded. The motion carried.
The Superintendent’s Agenda followed, but Wilhelm first took the opportunity to thank the board for the contract renewal and the opportunity to continue with the district.
The first item in the report was the minutes from the Four County Career Center monthly meeting, which Wilhelm provided to the board to review as desired.
Wilhelm followed with an update on the ongoing construction of the bus barn. Interior and electrical work is nearly complete. Currently there is a delay in the installation of a gas line connection, and paving will take place once the weather improves.
Wilhelm advised there may be one additional change order to address an additional heater and paneling in the maintenance bay. Prodigy Building Solutions is planning for a visit in April with hopes of being able to tour the facility.
Attention then shifted to the upcoming musical, running March 19 through March 22. Wilhelm encouraged all to attend “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” as the students have been working very hard and are sure to put on a great show.
Several showtimes are available, starting Thursday, March 19 with a special afternoon performance.
The final item in the report was the recent FFA community breakfast and auction. The FFA Chapter thanked all attendees and a few special donors: Jason Fry of Edgerton, Ohio donating hog and processing fees by Jacoby’s Ole’ Smokehouse, Hillendale Farm of Hicksville, Ohio donating 60 dozen eggs, and several Edgerton area businesses auction donations. More than $4,500 in donations from the live auction were raised.
PERSONNEL
Administrative recommendations followed, starting with the first reading of the NEOLA proposed policy changes. Wilhelm elaborated that these changes are almost always spurred by legislation and are reviewed twice a year.
The company then presents the proposed policy changes to the board for approval.
The second recommendation was to approve an overnight summer camp, the Asics Volleyball Camp in Maumee, Ohio, for July 25 and 26.
The recommendations continued with personnel, first being a routine action to approve the current NWOESC substitute list for paraprofessionals and teachers.
The next item was to approve the 2026-2027 fall supplemental contracts, pending pre-employment/volunteer coaching requirements, for Chyanne Retcher for Junior High Cross Country.
Approval of non-renewal of 2025-2026 winter supplemental contracts was as follows: Greg Jennings, Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball; Stephanie Bowsher, Junior Varsity Girls Basketball; Nathan Drown, Junior High Girls Basketball; Nicole Thiel, Junior High Girls Basketball; Duane Miller III, Varsity Boys Basketball; Dustin Miller, Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball; Corey Everetts, Junior Varsity Boys Basketball; Peyton Spiess, Freshman Boys Basketball; Cole Meyer, Junior High Boys Basketball; Nicholas Archer, Junior High Boys Basketball; Duane Miller III, 5th and 6th Grade Boys Basketball; Tom Nye, Varsity Boys Wrestling; Rick Herman, Assistant Varsity Boys Wrestling; Ben Brown, Junior High Wrestling; Shaun Murphy, Varsity Girls Wrestling; Tylor Hartman, Assistant Varsity Girls Wrestling; and Tom Nye, Elementary Wrestling.
Continuing with personnel recommendations was the approval of Sonia Flower as a non-certified Edgerton-only substitute employed for the 2025-2026 school year, pending pre-employment requirements. Wilhelm explained that this would be a substitute for custodial, kitchen, or similar roles.
The next two recommendations related to the approval of Angella Burklo’s resignation as Director of Student Services and the approval of a five-year contract for her to return to the classroom as an elementary teacher.
Wilhelm noted that while Burklo had performed exceptionally during a critical period, her passion remained in teaching. He added that the Director of Student Services position, though essential when created, has since been streamlined, and he is confident its responsibilities can be absorbed internally.
Plotts asked whether a five-year contract was customary. Wilhelm explained that, given Burklo’s experience and the fact that she was midway through a five-year contract when she transitioned out of teaching, legal counsel advised offering a five-year agreement.
Similarly, the following two recommendations involved a resignation and rehire. The board accepted the retirement of Gayle Adams, effective May 31, with an official retirement date of June 1. The subsequent recommendation authorized the Treasurer to place a notice in the newspaper, no later than March 19, regarding Adams’s retirement and rehire. Plotts inquired about how the rehire process works and what salary would apply. Wilhelm clarified that Adams would return at Step 10, which is the legally permitted placement.
The following recommendations were contract renewals for both Principal Smith and Principal Grieser.
Each contract would span five years, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and continuing through 2030-2031, superseding the remaining year of their current agreements and setting annual salaries of $85,000 and $92,000, respectively.
The agenda moved away from contract approvals briefly to consider approval for Kristine Manning, FFA Advisor, and 22 students to attend the State FFA Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
The trip would be from April 30 to May 1. Bowsher motioned to approve all the administrative and personnel recommendations. Plotts seconded the motion and with all members approving the motion carried.
The final recommendation was to approve the non-renewal of 2025-2026 winter supplemental contracts for Patrick Bowsher for Varsity Girls Basketball as well as 5th and 6th grade girls basketball.
Hug motioned to approve with Fitzcharles seconding. All members approved except Bowsher who abstained.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
The final items on the agenda were the principals’ reports. Before jumping into the report, Smith expressed his appreciation to the board for the contract renewal.
FFA Spirit Week recently wrapped up, and Smith joked that with so many dress-up days, he’s feeling pressure to join in.
A recent PTO meeting was held discussing teacher appreciation week in March. The PTO was also heavily involved in Family Fun Night, which was held on Thursday, March 12, with a March Madness theme. In conjunction with Family Fun Night, the Scholastic book fair was also held the same week, allowing for a lot more foot traffic throughout the book fair.
Smith highlighted the recent Bulldog’s Best assembly, which is held monthly. Smith reported an unfortunate cancellation for the fourth grade field trip to learn about maple syrup due to weather.
Upcoming events include mini volleyball camp taking place on March 17 and March 18. One lucky class will be traveling to the Butler Bowl for a fun-filled day of bowling.
The class will be selected on best class attendance, grades, and least disciplinary actions. Eligible grades are 3-6. Lastly are the upcoming house assembly, Bulldog’s Best assembly, the Stevie Kimpel Classic being held in Hicksville on March 28, and upon return from spring break, state testing ramps up.
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
The high school report started with congratulations to both Varsity and Junior Varsity Quiz Bowl teams, both being crowned GMC champions.
Several members achieved honors for being in the top ten for individual scoring, and both teams will be participating in nationals in April.
Grieser stated how proud and impressed he was with the wealth of knowledge both teams presented.
Grieser also highlighted FFA week, stating it’s one event that really showcases the advantage of having K-12 in one building.
It allows much more student interaction and mentorship as he noted upperclassmen escorting elementary students through the petting zoo.
Grieser also recognized the hard work that goes into the week and the community breakfast. One of Grieser’s favorite FFA events is the feed the staff lunch.
Noting that winter athletics had concluded, Grieser congratulated the girls basketball team on their tournament run and the two wrestling district qualifiers, Jackson Flower and Kyli Hazelton.
Also qualifying for state were two speech and debate students, Logan Samper and Mikayela Burkhart. Burkhart placed in the top 25, falling just short of her goal to make nationals.
Also highlighted were the recent Scholastic Art Fair award winners, along with two FFA students who earned all-state honors for their books.
In addition, Guidance Counselor Kim Stark recently took more than 30 students to Northwest State Community College for a college and career fair featuring representatives from more than 30 institutions.
Upcoming events include spring break and the EHS Choir and Band trip to Disney World. After students return, state testing will ramp up for the high school. Softball, baseball, and track are all set to begin competition next week.
Winter All-Star athletic performances will feature several students in the Stevie Kimpel Classic. Grieser also highlighted the work underway for the school musical and encouraged the community to attend.
Concluding his report, Grieser thanked the board for the opportunity to continue his career here in Edgerton.
He stated his family is very happy here, they enjoy not only the school district but the community as well.
With the report agenda completed, a motion was requested to move into executive session to discuss an investigation of charges or complaints against an employee, official, or student.
Hug motioned to move into executive session, and Bowsher seconded. With all members approving, the meeting moved into executive session at 6:39 p.m.
Siebenaler reported there was no action to follow. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20.
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