YEAR END The Pettisville Board of Education gets down to work taking care of year end matters
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On Monday, December 11, the Pettisville Board of Education met for its regular December Meeting with members Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Brent King, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates present. Superintendent Josh Clark and district Treasurer Chris Lee were also in attendance.
Following the call to order and roll call, the Board reviewed items from the Consent Agenda including the November 2023 meeting minutes, financial reports as presented by Treasurer Lee, and a request for payment of bills as submitted.
In personnel matters, the resignation of Lexie Kelley, high school softball coach was addressed.
After checking date availability with board members, it was determined that the 2024 Organizational Meeting will be held on January 8 at 7:00 p.m. and current Board President Brent Hoylman was appointed to serve as President Pro Tem for the purpose of that meeting.
The board’s regular January meeting will follow on that same date immediately after the organizational meeting.
Lastly, the Consent Agenda provided for a transfer of $36,000 from the Turbine Fund (001-916A) to the QSCB Bond Fund (001-916B). The consent agenda as presented was approved by all members.
Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict however Superintendent Clark reviewed Waldvogel’s Elementary report with the board noting the Holiday Concert held on December 4 saw a large turnout.
Reading from Waldvogel’s report Clark shared “It was a great evening with a great finale showcasing grades K-4 on stage at the same time.”
Clark also conveyed that the elementary students will get a chance to see Santa on December 22nd to “provide us with some words of wisdom and to treat our students with fruit and candy bars from the Pettisville Business Association.”
Waldvogel’s report also touched on the upcoming Bird Perch meeting and provided an update about the Blackbird Food Pantry.
In the Junior High/High School Report, Principal Adam Wagner shared that juniors will be looking forward to a Job Shadow Day in February that will allow them the opportunity to experience possible vocations following graduation.
Wagner also shared with the board information about upcoming concerts, the College Credit Plus program, and teacher-based meetings.
It was also noted that the Pettisville High School Quiz Team received 1st place at the Fulton County Quiz Tournament held at the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center.
In financial matters, Treasurer Lee explained that the current financial arrangement for the wind turbine project involves a qualified school construction bond for $625,000, held by F&M State Bank.
Repayment for the project involves making interest payments on the loan until December 1, 2026, at which point the principal amount is due.
Interest payments made, approximately $17,000 biannually, are largely refunded by the IRS due to the tax-free nature of the loan.
In anticipation of the principal repayment, the district allocates $36,000 annually to a designated fund that accrues interest. Lee indicated that three additional transfers of $36,000 each are scheduled before the principal payment is due.
Lee believes that, given favorable interest rates, there’s a strong likelihood of raising enough funds to settle the principal when it is due.
Superintendent Clark added that internal discussions are taking place regarding the viability of the wind turbine project in the context of potential end-of-life scenarios once the equipment is paid in full.
Considerations include its sustainability, with attention to minor repairs that may escalate into more significant issues.
In the Superintendent Report, Clark began by recognizing the conclusion of Brent King’s board term at the end of the year. “I really appreciate your leadership and I know Pettisville Schools thank you and owes you a debt of gratitude,” added Clark.
On another note, Clark shared with the board that despite threats received by several schools in Ohio over the weekend, Pettisville was not among them.
Superintendent Clark conveyed that authorities identified the threats as hoaxes. School Resource Officer Deputy Schlosser remained in contact with the Fulton County Sheriff’s office, ensuring continuous updates on the situation.
At 7:20 p.m., the board moved to enter executive session for the purpose of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official.
Upon reconvening at 9:05 p.m. the board offered Superintendent Clark a five-year contract effective August 1, 2024, with a salary increase of 3 percent and insurance pickup of 100 percent.
The board then approved an amendment to Treasurer Chris Lee’s current contract to pick up 100 percent of insurance premiums and a salary increase of 3 percent effective July 1, 2024.
With no further action to consider, the board adjourned at 9:07 p.m. The next Pettisville Board of Education organizational meeting will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, and its next regular meeting will follow immediately after the organizational meeting concludes.
