By: Tim Kays
Members of the Fayette Local Board of Education convened in regular session on the evening of March 15.
High School Principal Jon Molter reported that four Fayette FFA students, Addisyn Bentley, Brayden Herman, Brandon Brown and Eli Eberly, attained their FFA State Degrees this year. Vo-Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor, Mrs. Pam Schultz, was chosen as an Honoree for the Golden Owl Award.
The Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for superior contributions in helping future leaders in the agricultural field. Following the nomination period, a selection committee will evaluate the nominations received and select ten finalists.
Each finalist will receive an individualized plaque, and $500 will be awarded to the school Ag program of each finalist.
At the 2021 Ohio FFA State Convention on April 29-30, one finalist will be crowned the 2020-2021 Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year, and will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy.
That teacher’s school will then receive an additional $3,000 in funding to its Ag program and students.
Superintendent Angie Belcher reported that the staff had recently completed the first rounds of Coronavirus vaccinations. The second round is set to be administered on March 20.
Elementary Principal Alexandra Reucher reported that preschool registration for the 2021-2022 school year will be held on May 3.
Treasurer Kelly Bentley reported that an appraisal of the school property was organized by Ohio School Plan, and conducted by the firm of by Duff and Phelps LLC. The Duff and Phelps assessment concludes that the new value of the property is at $22,583,000.
Technology Coordinator Rebecca Short reported on the receipt of 35 new touch Chromebooks for the kindergarten class. The Chromebooks were acquired through CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) funding
The Board accepted donations from the Athletic Boosters of $830.25 to purchase archery supplies, and $1,528.99 to purchase an indoor pitcher’s mound and softball pitching lane pro.
The Board agreed to a request allowing students to attend the Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum in Carrollton from June 28 to July 2.
The Board approved the updated monthly substitute teacher and paraprofessional list from the NwoESC (Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center) for fiscal year 2021, and the updated polices from educational consulting firm Neola, Volume 39 No. 2 January 2021.
Also approved was the College Credit-Plus Agreements for fiscal year 2022 from The University of Toledo, Owens State Community College, Northwest State Community College, Defiance College and Lourdes College
In personnel matters, the Board accepted the retirement of two longtime familiar faces of the school district, teacher David Stoltzfus, and Technology Coordinator Rebecca Short. effective June 30, 2021.
The Board approved the hire of Michelle Becker as a substitute bus driver for fiscal year 2021, pending proper licenses and certifications, background and reference checks.
FMLA leaves were granted to Ethan Carothers from May 3 to June 2, and Andrea Jacobs from March 22 to April 5. The Board also approved an unpaid leave for Kylie Rufenacht on March 16.
Tim can be reached at tim@thevillagereporter.com