PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MEETING BUSINESS … School board members discuss agenda items during the meeting, laptops open and coffee in hand.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Edgerton Board of Education convened on Monday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m. Board President Robert Siebenaler called the meeting to order promptly.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call confirmed the presence of President Robert Siebenaler, Vice President Lyn Bowsher, Amanda Giesige, Nick Hug, and Bill Swank. Also attending were Superintendent Ben Wilhelm, Elementary Principal Lucas Smith, Jr./HS Principal Bret Grieser, and Treasurer William Blakely. For public participation, Mayor Bob Day, Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles, and several community members joined the session.
Revisions and acceptance of the agenda were moved by Amanda Giesige and seconded by Nick Hug. Approval and waiver of the August regular board minutes were moved by Lyn Bowsher and seconded by Nick Hug.
Mayor Bob Day and Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles addressed the board to express thanks for its support of the village’s student internship program.
Fitzcharles outlined the process and responsibilities, including hands-on work with the park and street departments, as well as learning about utilities and office duties. Notable intern projects included repainting fire hydrants and fencing, plus setting up the disc golf course.
Mayor Day emphasized how these efforts handle overlooked details that enhance the village’s appearance and community pride.
Treasurer William Blakely recommended approving the August financial reports, bills, and payments. He highlighted updated administrative guidelines for part-time employees and noted that expenditures were down compared to last year. Lyn Bowsher moved for approval, seconded by Nick Hug.
Superintendent Dr. Wilhelm shared thanks to the family of Mary Ellen Hissong for a memorial donation and to H&W Automotive Parts (NAPA) for contributing 1,728 bottles of water to support fundraising at sporting events. He also provided a bus barn update, noting that materials are on site, with state approval for blueprints pending.
The board approved integrating the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) curriculum—a proven program developed with local law enforcement—into 5th and 6th-grade classrooms at Edgerton Public Schools (EPS) for the 2025-26 school year.
This evidence-based initiative equips students with practical tools to recognize and resist peer pressure related to drugs and alcohol. As noted in board materials, “This curriculum has shown real results in similar districts,” promoting healthier school environments.
To bolster data-driven decision-making, the board ratified a short-term agreement with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (NWOESC) Governing Board for Roots Analysis Services.
Effective July 1 through November 30, 2025, the $3,500 contract offers specialized analytics to track student performance and program efficacy, ensuring optimal resource allocation. Dr. Wilhelm called it a “good resource” and a “3-year lead in county,” paving the way for long-term collaboration.
The board endorsed a 10-cent increase in adult breakfast costs, from $2.40 to $2.50, for the 2025-26 school year.
Officials described the change as essential to counter rising food costs while keeping the program affordable and integral to district perks. Incremental adjustments like this maintain accessibility without budget strain.
The board approved current NWOESC sub-lists for para-professionals and teachers, along with 2025-26 supplemental contracts and volunteer roles pending pre-employment checks. Highlights include:
Coaching Expansions Stephanie Bowser for Girls’ Basketball Junior Varsity; Nicole Thiel and Nathan Brown for Girls’ Basketball Junior High; Duane Miller III for Boys’ Basketball 5th and 6th grades; and Patrick Bowser for Girls’ Basketball 5th and 6th grades.
Gayle Adams will serve as Resident Educator mentor for her first year, guiding new teachers. Andrew Meyer is assisting the Athletic Department with Boys’ Basketball to boost community involvement.
The board further supported agricultural education by approving attendance at the National FFA Convention (October 29–November 1, 2025, in Indianapolis) for FFA Advisor Kristine Manning and two exceptional students: 2023 EHS graduate Mackayla Keppeler (American Degree recipient) and Avery Herman (top 10 national finalist interviewing for Agriscience Division III). The event offers prime networking and competitive opportunities.
Barb Saul was approved as a non-certified substitute for the year, while Lauren Adkins received a 0.5-hour increase in her aide role, effective at the start of her 2025-26 contract. These moves address staffing needs efficiently.
Wrapping up, Elementary Principal Lucas Smith and Jr./HS Principal Bret Grieser shared updates on school life, including FFA Fair art booth participation, anticipation for homecoming, and Grandparents Day events this weekend.
A motion to adjourn was made by Nick Hug and seconded by Amanda Giesige. The meeting concluded at 6:52 p.m. The next Edgerton Board of Education session is scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.