(PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
NEW SCHOOL YEAR … Superintendent Josh Clark updates the board on the staff’s first day back to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
The Pettisville Board of Education met on Monday, August 12 for its regular monthly meeting with Board Members Barry Hoylman, Brent Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, Pam Skates, and Scott Rupp in attendance. Also on hand were administrators Superintendent Josh Clark, Treasurer Chris Lee, and Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel.
Addressing its first order of business, the board approved minutes from the July 2024 meeting, accepted the financial reports as presented by the treasurer, and authorized the payment of bills for approval.
In personnel matters, the board approved Alex Hurst as a junior high soccer volunteer, Anna Boyers as a junior high golf volunteer, Dee Darby-Dixon as both the Fall Play Director and the Assistant Junior Class Advisor, Christian Beck as the Assistant Fall Play Director and Lindsey Bevard as cook.
Superintendent Clark shared that upon taking over her new post, Library Manager Jenae Lammers identified many obsolete books and requested permission to dispose of those books in addition to the old curriculum books “Our Nation” from 2003. The Board approved the request for disposal.
The board also accepted a transfer of the varsity soccer field located on County Road DE from the Clinton Township Trustees to the Pettisville Board of Education at no cost to the district.
Superintendent Clark added, “A big thanks to Clinton Township and their willingness to work with us on this. So, we are pretty excited about this.”
Treasurer Chris Lee shared his report highlighting district income changes from the same time last year. According to Lee’s financial reports, the most recent income tax settlement was down “about $20,000.” The treasurer noted that he was not overly concerned about the downward turn but was watching the trend.
On the other hand, Lee pointed out some good news sharing that the most recent property tax settlement was up $110,489 from the same time in August 2023.
Reporting on another downturn, Lee pointed out that since bond retirement rates have been rolled back, that fund is collecting less money and is down approximately $23,000 from last year.
Despite the loss of income in some areas, the district’s overall general fund was up $130,743 from 2023.
Principal Jason Waldvogel took a moment to share that the elementary staff has been preparing to get the 2024-2025 school year off to a good start. “The teachers have been in…We’ve just had some great discussions on some things,” added Waldvogel.
Waldvogel also shared that the elementary’s focus for the new year is to promote positivity within the school environment.
The goal is to create as many positive experiences as possible for both students and teachers, leading to better outcomes and reducing the need to respond to negative behaviors. “We’re excited. We’re ready to go,” Waldvogel added.
Waldvogel also shed some light on enrollment noting that the elementary is seeing higher-than-normal numbers in many classes this year.
In the preschool, enrollment currently sits at 11 students in the morning class and 12 in the afternoon session, however, Waldvogel pointed out that these numbers are subject to change.
Praising the preschool teachers Waldvogel added, “I’m really excited to have our preschool staff here all day…I don’t think you will find a better preschool team other than those three ladies.”
Superintendent Clark spoke on behalf of junior high/high school Principal Adam Wagner in his absence and noted that Wagner introduced the new grading scale, and course offerings to incoming freshmen.
Moving on to the Superintendent Report, Clark expressed a note of gratitude towards Principal Waldvogel and Principal Wagner by stating, “August right now is kind of just a full-on sprint for these guys…and just appreciate the time and effort they put in.”
Clark went on to share that staff were welcomed back on August 12 and they were introduced to the new 911inform system.
During the presentation led by 911inform representative Dan Spiegel, the staff took the opportunity to ask questions about the new safety measures.
The 911inform security system offers real-time communication between first responders and designated school staff during emergencies.
Another topic on the staff’s first day back included a discussion on district goals in terms of professional development on the academic front.
Throughout the upcoming year, teachers will continue to look at assessments, content mastery, and grading. They will also build upon professional development topics they worked on last school year.
In her presentation to staff members, Dr. Katie Peters of Washington Local Schools spoke about empathy in the classroom and how it impacts student engagement. Staff ended their first day back with a fun “Olympics” competition.
In other district news, Clark informed the Board that he is still awaiting an update on the wind turbine. During the December 2023 school board meeting, the superintendent mentioned ongoing internal discussions about the wind turbine project’s viability, particularly as it approaches potential end-of-life scenarios after the equipment is paid off.
These discussions include concerns about its sustainability, especially considering minor repairs that could develop into larger issues.
The next Pettisville Board of Education meeting will be held on September 9 in the school’s conference room.