HEARING REPORT … The board listens to the treasurer’s report as part of their February 21 meeting. (PHOT ANNA WOZNIAK, STAFF)
By: Anna Wozniak
The regular session for the North Central Local Board of Education meeting started at 6 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance.
Roll call was taken and Board members Anthony Burnett, Kati Burt, Chuck Haynes, Tim Livengood, and Shane Martin were all present.
Board member Shane Martin started the meeting first by thanking the teachers’ union for all that they do.
He followed this thanks by reading a letter he had written in response to what he says, in short, is a frustration caused by “people trying to accomplish their goals through acts of manipulation and intimidation.”
His letter addressed not only the parents of students, but the whole community. He asked parents to show respect to authority in front of students and called on the community to set good examples of respectful behavior.
He urges people to speak up when they see something that feels wrong happening. Martin challenges locals “out of love for our students, one another, and our community… (to) hold each other accountable for treating others with respect.”
The treasurer’s report was then given, and a motion to accept it as presented was made by Livengood, seconded by Martin, and then unanimously approved.
Michael Bute then gave the superintendent’s report, highlighting that he believes in taking total accountability.
He aims to increase faculty skill and elicit more efficient responses by teaching from what he calls his “culture playbook.”
Bute is interested in cultivating a healthier, more positive culture within the school system, and aims to do this by providing good experiences.
He plans to start staff member training sessions on culture in March and hopes to open these sessions up to the public around April.
Andy Morr gave the elementary report, mentioning that spring brings a lot of activities for the elementary school students.
Among field trips, the Kids Heart Challenge, and kindergarten screening processes, Morr made sure to thank staff members for their help in the success of the 4th and 5th grade dance.
Greg Puthoff announced that Kaytee Tomblin is the high school candidate for the Franklin B. Walter All Scholastic Award.
He also announced that they have moved their application processing for the National Honors Society to the end of February instead of May to allow current seniors to submit applications.
Gwen Oxender has been chosen as Student of the Month at Four County Career Center for January.
64% of high school students were on the honor roll during the first quarter, and 63% of students were on the honor roll for the second quarter.
The junior high Awards Banquet was held on January 13, and 55% of 7th graders and 56% of 8th graders were on the honor roll.
Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 6. The dinner and dance will be at the Quality Inn from 6-9 p.m. At 10 p.m. buses will leave for students to travel to Kalahari.
Around 15 students were spoken to this semester about bullying, but no actual bullying offenses occurred.
The school has gotten a new portable metal detector. This detector is to help secure the schools.
The high school is actively looking for any past assistant/substitute/volunteer coaches and/or teachers that may still have a key fob for the doors.
Michael Babin reported that basketball season is wrapping up, and also announced Carter Eckley and Isabelle Bernett as Athletes of the Month.
Brent Saneholtz started first with a thanks to all staff. Saneholtz is committed to delivering a better phonics program with a new phonics curriculum that should be decided on during a March 14, 2023 meeting.
Saneholtz also announced that Deb Opdycke, the high school Language and Speech Pathologist, is a contender for the Franklin B. Walter Award.
A resolution approving the North Central Local School 2023-2024 Calendar was carried unanimously in a motion made by Burt and seconded by Livengood.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to approve the Ohio High School Association membership for the 2023-2024 school year. Haynes moved to approve the motion and Martin seconded.
A resolution was motioned to be approved by Livengood, seconded by Haynes, and unanimously approved to allow for the purchase and installation of football/track bleachers, paid for by the Eagle Football Boosters.
A resolution setting Tuesday, March 14 2023 as the date for a 5 p.m. Education/Work Session and 6 p.m.
Regular meeting was unanimously approved after a motion to approve was made by Martin and seconded by Burt.
All pending employment records were approved unanimously by the board.
A resolution to adjourn the meeting was moved by Martin, seconded by Burt, and unanimously approved at 7:03 p.m.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com