By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
On September 18, 2023, the Fayette Local Board Of Education met for a regular meeting with all members present except Jason Kessler.
The Board approved minutes from the August 10 meeting before hearing an update from Superintendent Angie Belcher.
Belcher spoke to the Board about a potential collaboration between the Fayette School District and the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center to bring accessible and affordable driver education to Fayette High School.
It was explained that if the district chose to pursue becoming a partnering driver education site through the Muskingum EOC, two individuals would need to be trained to oversee both the coursework and driving components.
Additionally, a vehicle would need to be obtained and Belcher added that the possibility of getting a car donated would be explored.
One board member pointed out there are 18 students of driving age who do not yet have their driver’s licenses. If the project is pursued, the district will explore working with JFS to establish flexible pricing for those who would qualify.
Treasurer Kelly Bentley submitted her report as originally presented and added that there will be a financial committee meeting immediately before the next Board meeting on October 16 at 6:15 pm.
In the high school report, Principal Jon Molter noted that the 3rd Annual Gold Out Against Pediatric Cancer Volleyball Game will be held on Tuesday, September 26 at 5:30 p.m. when Fayette plays Pettisville.
The game will be in memory of Allie Herman who lost her battle to pediatric cancer. Proceeds of the evening will benefit the oncology departments at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Toledo Children’s Hospital.
Molter also noted that the High School/Jr. High will be hosting a fundraiser Pancake and Sausage Supper on October 24.
Elementary Principal Olivia Selgo shared that the 6th graders enjoyed Outdoor Ed at Harrison Lake where they experienced hands-on learning activities, such as dissecting owl pellets, extracting DNA from strawberries, and preparing hobo lunches. She also thanked Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Wixom, Mrs. Downing, and Mrs. Stockburger for organizing the successful learning experience.
In financial items, the August 2023 Financial Report and permanent appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024 were approved by the board.
The following donations to the district were also approved:
-Various school supplies from Andy Lichtenwald and family in memory of Andrew Lichtenwald;
-American Flag for outside from John Dale Post 143.
-$100 from Kenn-Feld Group for FFA Activities.
-$1,250 from the Ohio High School Athletic Association to assist with the cost of the athletic program.
-$975 from Ohio Job and Family Services for staff engagement for a positive and successful school year.
-$1,600 from Fulton County Pork Producers for FFA activities.
-$800 from Fulton County Pork Producers for National Honor Society activities.
The Board approved 2023-2024 tuition rates from the State of Ohio Department of Education in the amount of $7,204.74/In-State and $15,808.69/Out of State. The Board also okayed the student activity budgets for Fiscal Year 24 as well as the 2023-2024 Student Activity Handbook.
The Board approved an agreement with Fulton County Health Center for the Sports Medicine Outreach Program for Fiscal Year 24 at a rate of pay of $22.50 per week as needed for consultations.
In personnel matters, the following items were addressed by the Board:
-Approved the substitute teachers and para list provided by NwoESC for Fiscal Year 2024.
-Approved a one-year supplemental contract for Jerry Schaffner as Archery Co-coach for Fiscal Year 24, pending proper certifications, background, and reference checks.
-Approved a one-year supplemental contract for Leo Wixom as Archery Co-coach for Fiscal Year 24, pending proper certifications, background, and reference checks.
-Approved substitute pay rate per hour as follows: Cafeteria $12.00, Secretary $12.00, Custodian $12.00, Classroom Aide $12.00, and Van Driver $14.00.
-Approved the Wellness Committee for Fiscal Year 24: Kami Downing, Andrea Jacob, Carol Burkholder, and Sarah Altstaetter.
-Approved the following mentors for 2023-2024: Beth Schaffner, Alissa Stockburger, Kami Downing, Gina Howard, and Jason Ohlemacher.
-Approved the following RTI Coordinators: Jessica Burgermeister and Alissa Stockburger.
-Approved Barb Bruggeman and David Stoltzfus as substitute teachers for Fiscal Year 24 pending proper certification, background, and reference checks.
-Approved the resignation of Sarah Gates as Health and Physical Education teacher effective September 22, 2023.
-Approved the following volunteer coaches for youth soccer and volleyball, pending proper reference and background checks for Fiscal Year 24: Amy Herman, Chris Stillion, Paige Stillion, Abbie Seiler, Greg Gable, Kristin Johnson, and Collen Fether.
The next regular Fayette Board of Education meeting will be held on October 16, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com
