(PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
NEW PROGRAM … Pettisville’s STEAM Lab, led by Greg Waidelich, provides a well-rounded curriculum that encourages students to explore a variety of skills.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On November 18 the Pettisville School Board met for its regular monthly meeting with board members Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Barry Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates in attendance.
Offering a change of scenery, the board convened in the school’s new STEAM Lab, where they heard a presentation by STEAM Coordinator Greg Waidelich who shared how the space offers students unique opportunities to develop skills that will benefit them during high school and beyond.
Waidelich pointed out that while many schools focus their maker spaces on specific areas such as robotics or hydroponics, Pettisville’s STEAM Lab provides a well-rounded curriculum that encourages students to explore a wide variety of skills. “We are so small that we are going to have our hands in many different things,” he noted.
The STEAM Lab, formerly a study hall, is now home to equipment including multiple 3D printers, a specialty chocolate 3D printer, a Cricut machine, lasers, and more. Waidelich gave board members a brief tour of the space and pointed out the projects students are currently working on.
In the computer programming class, students have designed games such as Farkle and Yahtzee, and in the “How Stuff Works” class they have explored hydraulics and other mechanical systems.
A drone class, funded by Ohio State University, provides the class with drones and students with comprehensive training. Upon completing the course, students will earn their commercial drone pilot licenses.
2D and 3D design projects students have been working on include crafting laser-cut Christmas ornaments, resin casting, and creating detailed instruction manuals for LEGO creations. Touching on entrepreneurial skills, students have also been researching ideas for items the STEAM lab can make and sell.
Rather than sticking to a rigid course structure, the lab encourages problem-solving and creativity. “I don’t say ‘no’ very often,” Waidelich said. “It’s more like, ‘Let’s figure it out,’ or ‘Maybe’”. He noted the importance of allowing the students to feel comfortable with experimenting without fear of receiving a bad grade.
The lab encourages students to step out of their comfort zones. For example, a student proficient in computer skills might try working with wood or painting, leaving the lab with a broader skill set.
Waidelich aims to help students become “problem solvers” and takes a collaborative approach by working alongside students rather than simply teaching them.
Following the presentation, Treasurer Chris Lee presented the Five-year Forecast, explaining that he used historical data to project the district’s financial stability over the next five years.
Lee’s outlook shows that revenues will exceed expenses for most of the forecast period, with the exception of the fifth year, where expenditures are expected to surpass revenue.
Lee clarified, “That year’s murky…it always is. In every forecast I’ve ever done, except one, I think I’ve always had red in at least one of those last two columns [years four and five] because at that point you’re almost guessing.” The board voted to approve Lee’s FY2025-2029 Five-year Forecast as presented.
In his report, Superintendent Josh Clark noted that the wind turbine repair team is waiting for a part, which could delay repairs by 6 to 8 weeks.
“We’re missing some good wind. It’s been down for much longer than I would have hoped, however right now we’re at the mercy of that part,” Clark added.
Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel shared elementary school highlights from the recent Costume Parade, Parent/Teacher Conferences, and the fall Third Grade State Reading Test.
Kindergarten through fourth grade classes look forward to their Holiday Concert on December 2 and Santa will be coming for a visit on December 20.
In high school and junior high news, Principal Adam Wagner relayed that Mr. Waidelich took around 30 students on a tour of NorthStar BlueScope Steel, while Mrs. Short took her Ag Business students to Creighton Electric, Short Agency, and Lugbills. Mrs. Short and Ms. Drake will be taking 20 students on a tour of Nature Fresh Farms in Delta next week.
Donna Mueller is leading the creation of an after-school program, slated to begin in January, for students who are struggling or need to catch up.
Upcoming events in the High School/Junior High include the College Credit Plus Night on Monday, November 25 and on that same evening, the High School will see 15 students inducted into the National Honor Society.
In the board report, member Barry Hoylman discussed his recent attendance at the Ohio School Board Capital Conference, sharing key takeaways.
He noted that many of the sessions he attended focused on goals, vision, and strategic planning. Other board members added that the conference provided valuable insights into school finance, budgeting, and levies.
Addressing routine items on the agenda, the board approved minutes from October 2024, accepted the financial reports as presented by the treasurer, and authorized payment of bills submitted for approval.
In personnel matters, Dacoda Hinegardner was appointed Junior High Quiz Team Advisor, Regina Reidling was approved to serve as Instrumental Music Director and Jenae Lammers will serve as the Spelling Bee Advisor.
The board authorized the establishment of a STEAM Club Fund. Treasurer Lee explained that the club is involved in creating products for sale, which requires the creation of a dedicated fund to track the revenues and expenditures properly.
An annual housekeeping transfer of $92,000 from the General Fund to the Turbine Operating Fund was also approved.
The board then entered into executive session “for the purpose of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official” with no action expected to be taken.
The next Pettisville School Board meeting will be held on Monday, December 9.