(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
YEAR IN REVIEW … The Junior High Student Council presents a report to the Board outlining their successful year of events and activities.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The North Central Board of Education met on Tuesday, May 20, for its regular session held in the high school Eagle Room. With all members present, the board addressed a comprehensive agenda including retirements, upcoming graduation events, and wrapping the 2024 – 2025 school year to a close.
Invited to the meeting were several student organizations. First, the junior high council gave a detailed report on the events held throughout the year, including participation in a food drive.
Several members of the musical cast joined, and musical director, Deb Meyers, announced that this was one of the largest classes she’s ever had and she will miss them dearly. Two stars of the musical, Amara Wright and Star Cruz, performed a rendition of their duet together for the board.
A new project may be coming to the school in the following years – a grant is in the works to be secured. This involves the Toledo Zoo and their Project Prairie.
This is an inquiry-based education program that trains students and teachers to use native prairie habitats for citizen science projects.
With hopes to reach a larger body of global research, the Toledo Zoo conservation staff will install urban prairie on the school property and further train staff on how to upkeep the floral wildlife. The school hopes to see continued progress on this project and possible installation in the fall of 2025.
The treasurer’s report, presented by Eric Smeltzer, included the approval of the April 2025 financial statements and the five-year forecast for FY25. The FY25 shows positive progress for North Central, with their fifth year ending in the black.
The board approved a series of donations from community members and organizations in support of both the class of 2025 and Teacher Appreciation Week.
These included monetary donations from Allied Molded Products, the Athletic Boosters, local businesses, and even Board members themselves.
Also accepted were meals and food contributions from several local restaurants and community groups; Subway, Pizza Barn, and Logger Lounges. Total appropriations amounted to $3,485.11.
During the superintendent’s report, several topics were addressed, including enrollment, state testing, and updates from the NwOESC Business Advisory Council.
Superintendent Michael Bute also noted the upcoming graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025, scheduled for Sunday, May 25th, at 2:00 p.m.
Bute commented that he is still diligently working on how to best grow the culture of North Central Schools while reporting his R1-6 plan as a success for students and staff.
SRO officer, Officer Snively, is retiring, and Bute sent his best wishes and thanked him for his years of service. The Village of Pioneer will be appointing another officer before the start of the next school year.
Bute also noted a special meeting to be held on June 2, at 8:00 a.m., in the high school Auditeria. This is for the purpose of an open public discussion for “retire and rehire” practices.
Administrative reports followed, with elementary Principal, Brent Saneholtz, reminding parents that Kindergarten graduation will be held on 21 at 2:00 p.m.
He brought up the 5th-grade science teacher, Mrs. Appel, to celebrate the success of the science fair, with preparations spanned over a year.
High school Principal, Martha Hasselbusch, informed the board of a 2% increase in attendance for students from the previous month, with no bullying reports.
She noted a total of 286 referrals for the entire school year. Drafts of the parent and student handbook are underway, with revisions being based on the experiences of staff, students, and parents.
Lastly, the athletic reports were given by Athletic Director Michael Babin. He thanked the board for accepting the monetary donations so they could replace the long jump launching pad.
The sports awards were rescheduled due to overlapping times, now being held on May 27 at 6:00 p.m., in the varsity gym.
Under personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Stacey Turner (bus driver) and David Bowers (HS Science).
Retirements were approved for custodians Steve Fiser and Chris Whitis. Catherine German was approved for six transitional workdays in June at her hourly rate.
A wide range of employment contracts were approved, including initial and renewed agreements for certified and classified staff. These ranged from one-year to five-year terms.
Recommendations by the superintendent included the hiring of Alecia Livensparger as a part-time administrative assistant to the superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year at an hourly rate.
The board then moved on to enter executive session at 7:04 p.m. to discuss hiring situations.