The North Central Local Board of Education was called by notice of March 7, 2024 to the
regular meeting to be held March 12, 2024.
President Kati Burt called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. in the Auditeria. Answering roll call were Mr. John Huffman, Mr. Dustin Meyers, Mr. Tim Livengood, Mrs. Kati Burt, and Mr. Chuck Haynes.
After the pledge of allegiance, Mrs. Burt congratulated Paige Oxender on winning the Franklin B. Walter scholarship. She also thanked the 5th and 6th grade SOAR group for all that they are doing.
Lastly, she mentioned that it has been great seeing classes and the students putting the culture piece into practice during daily activities.
Mr. Smeltzer reported and included the following in his report: Waive the reading of and approve the minutes from the February 20, 2024 Regular Meeting; the Financial Statements and Investments from February 2024; appropriation additions; and a donation from Nickloy’s Fix & Fab to the North Central Back Pack Program.
A motion was made by Mr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Meyers to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.
Superintendent Bute then spoke on the current culture of the district, sharing that the next work session will be an hour before the next regular meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 16, 2024.
Elementary Principal Morr shared that kindergarten registration is currently 41 strong, with the screening process set for April 24th and 25th.
The 4th graders attended the Maple Syrup Festival as a field trip, and the 6th grade went to attend a career day event at Northwest State in order to ensure students are exposed to available jobs so that they can evaluate which skills and requirements they need to seek out.
Thanks was given to Mrs. Renfer for helping to organize North Central’s involvement in this hands-on mini-manufacturing event. State testing will begin the week of April 8th and will close near the end of May.
Mr. Hutchison is organizing another Hoops for Hearts benefit for the American Heart Association, and the spring concert will be held May 2nd for students in the 3rd through 6th grades.
Mr. Puthoff shared that FFA week went well, and that all of the juniors took their ACT on February 27th.
Scheduling classes has begun for next year, with Miss LaLonde and Mr. Puthoff meeting with students to discuss their needs and wants with regards to requirements and classes.
March 4th saw the senior Kalahari trip, and the winter sports season has closed. The North Central Band went to Nashville March 7th – 9th.
Teacher evaluations will be completed by the end of the week.
Mr. Babin shared that the indoor track and field has a new junior high school shot put record, with the same being said for the high jump at the high school level.
He shared his excitement for the Winter Sports Award event on March 12th, and shared the spring sports will start on March 25th with the softball team going to Hicksville, with the baseball team traveling to Pettisville.
Mr. Saneholtz shared that there was a special education meeting, as well as an Elementary Intervention Specialist meeting.

Scheduling for the students was discussed at these meetings, with upcoming courses being ironed out. With only 10 weeks of school left, the focus has very much shifted towards getting ready for next year.
He then shared that there are plans for improving the ELA curriculum, with June 11th set to see a meeting at the Northwest Ohio Service Center Vendor Fair.
The NwOESC agreement for the 2024-25 school year was then approved before the board voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m.