It was with great regret that the Montpelier Board of Education accepted the resignation of Grades K-6 Principal Connie Graham during their meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Graham will retire effective June 12, 2014. Board President Larry Martin said that “We’ll probably accept your resignation, but you’ll be terribly missed by everyone here.” He added that she had done a “great job. We love you and will miss you!”
Superintendent Jamison Grime said that when he came to this district as a new superintendent, it was touch having to hire a new principal, but Connie was the one they wanted. He said, “The last six years would not have been for me what they were if not for you.”
In her Grade 7-12 Principal’s report, Su Thorp said that the OGT (Ohio Graduation Test) testing is underway. Freshman take a practice test, while Sophomores actually take their tests for graduation. Juniors and Seniors have a 2 ½ hour delay during this time. March 21 is the end of the latest 9 week grading period, and grade cards go out on April 4. Thorp congratulated the cast of the high school’s most recent musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” Luke Malone was recognized by Board member Darrell Higbie for his part in the musical. Higbie said that he was surprised at the quiet young man’s expression and his acting ability. Graham also noted that Malone, who will join the Army Reserves following graduation, has been reading to her elementary students. Thorp and the Board congratulated the winter athletes, especially Shawn Taylor who went to state. Three students went to Sectionals for wrestling.
March 8 is the date for the Science Olympiad, and qualifying students will be heading to Columbus on April 29 to compete at the state competition. National Robotics club competitions will be held in Marion, Ohio, on April 10-12.
Class schedules for next year are in the process of being set up. Next year, there will be 8 class periods, which is a change from the current 7 sessions per day. Grades 6-8 are finalizing their schedules.
Connie Graham, Principal for Grades K-6, reported that testing is just beginning for Teach the Standards, for Common Core State Standards. Grades 2 and 3 are finishing up the Iowa Tests. The CogAT tests are being administered to see which students can benefit from the gifted program. She noted that children who are gifted often think differently. Students in Grades 3-8 will soon be testing for the OAA (Ohio Achievement test).
In usual business, the board approved:
- The financial statements and investments for February 2014.
- The following donations were accepted: $500 from the Montpelier Music Boosters to Locomotion; 96.00 from Cory Richmond to the golf program; $810 from the F.I.R.S.T. Club to the football program; $1,500 from the Montpelier Athletic Boosters to the track program, and $1700 to the baseball program. The Montpelier Athletic Boosters also donated $1,500 to the Class of 2015, who also received donations of $50.00 from G&M Media Packaging and $200.00 from CK Technologies for a total of $1,750 for their prom.
- Permitted the CFO/Treasurer to request the County Budget Commission to make changes to the Amended Certificate as presented.
- Approved modifications to permanent appropriations for fiscal year 2014 as presented.
- Approved the transfer of $60,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund to the General fund for repayment of the August 2013 cash advance.
- Approved the transfer of $20,000 from the Permanent Improvement Fund to the General fund for repayment of the November 2013 cash advance.
The following items in the consent agenda were approved:
Employment/Certified Staff
- The retirement of Connie Graham, effective June 12, 2014.
- Added Jessica Fee to the substitute teacher list for the 2013-2014 school year.
- Approved Matthew Kaullen as assistant track coach for the 2013-2014 school year.
- Approved David Apple as JH girl’s track coach for the 2013-2014 school year.
Employment/Classified Staff
- Approved Taccara Gibbs as a 3-hour per day bus driver beginning March 12, 2014.
- Approved Logan McKelvey as a volunteer baseball coach for the 2013-2014 school year.
In other business, the board approved the Locomotion trip to Chicago from April 4, 2014, through Sunday, April 6, 2014. They also approved the Daiken Assured Maintenance Agreement beginning April 1, 2014, and ending March 30, 2017. This is a contract for routine air conditioning system maintenance.
Cristopher Wurm, Legislative Liaison, discussed House Bill 416, which if approved will grant an extra four calamity days to this year’s school calendar. The addendums to the Bill had passed in the Senate, and the committee had agreed to take it to a vote on March 12. Wurm said that school districts in Ohio are anxiously awaiting a decision so that they can determine their final day of school, and to find out how many days they will have to make up.
Student Achievement Liaison, Darrell Higbie recognized to young ladies for their achievements in the classroom. Abby Caudill, who was not present, was nominated by her teacher Ms. Minor for being a “super student who works extra hard.” She always has a “smile on her face, and a great sense of humor.” Also recognized was Jade Scott, who was nominated by her teacher Ms. Martin, who said that Jade is a “bright girl who always does her best” and is a good helper in the classroom.
The Board had no need for an executive session and adjourned their meeting. Regular meetings of the Montpelier Board of Education are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the music room. The public is welcome to attend.