CULTURE JOURNEY CONTINUES … New North Central Superintendent Michael Bute spent some time prior to the September 20, 2022 School Board meeting, to share some more pointers in the training that is being used with the school staff. Seated around the table from left to right are board members Chuck Haynes, Katie Burt, Shane Martin, Treasurer Eric Smeltzer, Board President Anthony Burnett, board member Tim Livengood and superintendent.
By: Rebecca Miller
Discipline has a number of different meanings and is most often connected with punishment. In the new Culture of Discipline that is being taught to staff and administrators at North Central Schools in Pioneer, Ohio, the word is not about punishment, but is connected with how one responds to any given event. It is based on a training from Focus 3 that teaches “the R Factor” or the question, “What is your Response?” E+R= 0, or Event + Response = Outcome was the equation used by North CenttralSuperintendent Mr. Michael Bute as he went through the notes which he is using to re-train the entire staff in a new culture of the school.
Instead of focusing on a situation (event) they are learning the importance of their response, as this is the one thing that everyone has control over.
Those two things bring about the outcome, which can be very different depending on the response of the staff member.
The entire training is much more detailed than this abbreviated explanation. On September 20, 2022 prior to the regular scheduled board meeting, Mr. Bute shared factors 3 & 4 following a short review of the first two of the six.
He said that as the staff is on this culture journey, it is good for the Board to be aware of the good changes happening in the school and how this training is helping.
At 5:30 the regular board meeting began with all board members present in the auditeria where the meetings are now held.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, with no public participation, the board heard and approved the following items in Treasurer Eric Smeltzer’s report:
- Minutes from August 16, 2022 work session and regular meeting
- Financial Statements and investments in August
- Acceptance of donation of $5000 from James and Sandra Rupp and $5000 from the Pizza Barn, for the baseball/softball infield project
- Appropriations
- Permanent Appropriations for FY23
In the administrator’s report, the board was informed:
- Academic/Culture Committee met on Sept. 6
- Building/Facilities Committee did not meet in September
- Finance Committee met on September 16
- An ad for snow plowing was placed in media and bids were accepted through September 9th with only one bid
- NwOESC Business Advisory Council report from 9-13-22
- First reading of proposed Neola policy revisions
- The next work session and regular meeting will be held at 5:30 and 6:30 on October 20, 2022 in the Auditeria
- Reports were also given by principals Andy Morr and Greg Puthoff, Athletic Director Michael Babin and Brent Saneholtz, Student Services Coordinator.
- Highlights of these reports included “it has been a great start to the new year”; Professional Development Day went well on August 15th with training on the seesaw platform and on the CleverTouch screens in the classrooms; training was given on September 13th by Jill Fouts from NwOESC on Crisis Prevention Institute; Field trips are planned for the 6th grade going to Harrison Lake and the kindergarten classes heading for Leader Farms in Napoleon; Righ to Read week is scheduled for week of September 26; a group of staff members will be participating in a book study led by Mrs. Deetz; New banners have been hung throughout the elementary school to help students learn the “Eagle Way” of doing things; picture day was set for September 21 and 22; the first nine weeks end on October 14 and parent teacher conferences are scheduled for October 20th. Teachers are working hard to implement the Discipline Practices and Procedures, A blood drive is scheduled for September 27 from noon to 6 p.m.; Spirit Week is September 26-30 with a pep assembly, homecoming activities and football game. The Fall Homecoming Dance will be on October 1st.
In legislative business, the Board voted to approve:
- Resolution to approve the contract with the National Youth Advocate Program to provide behavioral health services (appropriating $30,000 for services)
- Resolution to appoint Mr. Gregory Puthoff as Superintendent Pro-Tem for the 22-23 school year.
- Resolution to approve the Second reading of the proposed Neola policy revision
- Resolution to approve the Tech Coordination Agreement for Services with NWOCA (NW Ohio Computer Association)
- Resolution to approve Huffman and Sons Electric for 22-23 and 23-24 school years for snow removal and maintenance (2 Year contract) ($95 per hour/per truck and if needed $150 per hour/loader tractor)
Consent Agenda was also approved:
- Employment (pending records) of Brenna Lalonde Substitute Van Driver, H.S. S.O.A.R. advisor, JH S.O.A.R. advisor, C.A.R.E. Coordinator (shared), and Testing Coordinator (2) (shared by 3); John Shell Substitute Bus Driver; Stacey Turner Cafeteria Staff; Macie Willson JH/HS Educational Aide; Deb Meyers and Kristy Meyers Annual Director & Adviser (shared); and Randy Mills Assistant Varsity Football Coach
- Rescind contract of Robert Hegler Assistant JH Football Coach
- Extended service contracts for the 2022-23 school year for Educational Aides Brandy Bailey, Misty Forry, Georgia Oyer and Julie Taylor
- Agreement for services of the Wood County Juvenile Detention Center Education program on an as needed basis for the 22-23 school year.
- Van drivers meeting transportation requirements for this school year
- Disposal of textbooks
There were no executive sessions needed and the meeting adjourned with no further business.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com