NEW PRESS BOX … Edgerton Superintendent Kermit Riehle discusses Bell Engineering’s cost of $32,000 for professional services in the design of a proposed football press box. (PHOTO BY DANIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Edgerton School Board meeting of October 24 began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call.
Board members in attendance were Amanda Giesige, Nick Hug, Robert Siebenaler and Bill Swank.
Next the board approved of the October 24 agenda, followed by approval of the previous meeting minutes from the September school board meeting.
Guest Kerri Weir, superintendent of the Northwest Ohio Educational Services Center {ESC)and her staff gave a short presentation.
The ESC serves the public schools from a four-county area of Williams, Fulton, Defiance and Paulding counties. ESC has 380 employees, 40 more than last year.
One of the biggest things that ESC started within the past two years was the HOPE Center (Helping Others Prosper Everyday), held at Edgerton Schools.
The program for autistic students has seven students and six teachers. Four of the students are from Edgerton and three others are from other school districts.
The HOPE Center can house a total of 8-10 students.
“At some point we would like to mainstream (these students) back into the regular classroom,” Weir said.
ESC also has three different classes in Archbold for the hearing impaired.
Treasurer Bill Blakely then gave a report. First Blakely stated that general fund revenue is up 73% over last year and overall, revenue is over expenses by $380,000.
Also in food service analysis, revenue is over expenses by $585.
Blakely talked about moving money around, likely through a CD, which should help with the press box project.
In looking at credit cards, the school has business cards from American Express, Walmart, Dollar General and Marathon.
Every bus driver has a PIN number they can use for purchasing gas and the auditor keeps track of the credit card spending for each month.
Also discussed was a wage audit for workman’s compensation and a food service review.
In the treasurer’s recommendation, the board approved of the financial report.
In Superintendent Kermit Riehle’s report, one of the biggest recommendations discussed was Bell Engineering’s cost for professional services regarding the design of a proposed football press box, at $32,000.
The large press box will involve two floors. The final steps involved with constructing the press box is submitting a bid and then receiving state approval.
Also discussed were donations from Bob Witsaman, a POW Flag and school supplies from AirWay Employees.
The board approved of the following superintendent recommendations: NEOLA Policy changes; the resolution for the employment of substitute teachers for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years; Bell Engineering’s press box design; donations; a quote from C.R. Hunt for additional painting in the annex in the amount of $6,239; a supplemental contract for Brian Stark, junior high boys basketball coach and athletic department volunteer girls basketball coach Nicole White.
Riehle also extended congratulations to the girls volleyball team for winning a sectional title and commended Toby Kennerk, EHS Class of 1997, as a new inductee in the Four County Hall of Fame.
In Riehle’s report, student enrollment is up slightly at 592 and based on overall performance scores, the school will be focusing on improving math scores.
Next, involved providing information for truant students. Gary Moore is the truant officer.
Riehle said the school is waiting to hear on a school safety grant. Riehle is working on a school facility form for renting the facility, including coming up with rental fees.
Riehle also discussed renaming of facilities. First, those making the request must submit a formal request and then fill out an application form.
Riehle said that the renaming requests will be discussed at the next meeting.
Ben Wilhelm then gave the high school principal report. In sports, the volleyball team won a sectional title and is playing in the first round of districts. Also, the football team has made the playoffs.
Wilhelm said that Mr. Krill had someone come in and talk about elections. Mrs. Stark took students on a field trip to visit county factories. The junior high had a fall quiz team.
Next, Brett Grieser gave the elementary principal report. The school had a Family Fun Night on October 1 and a large group of 200 people showed up.
Grieser said that he received a lot of comments about how well-organized the event was.
Mrs. Krill had a third grade square dance and the Edgerton Fire Department came by during Fire Prevention Week.
The third graders took an historical village day, and some elementary kids had a fun day in Angola.
In Bulldog Pride events, former Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski sent over a signed picture.
Mini cheer got to cheer with the high school cheerleaders and Mr. Zumbaugh conducted a fun run.
Grieser said that Mrs. Swank is having kindergarten kids send out thank yous and a Grandparent’s Day will be held on November 19.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com