PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
NEW ELEMENTARY TEACHER … Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel (left) welcomes Lindsi Rufenacht (right) to the Pettisville School District. Rufenacht will begin serving as a third-grade teacher in the 2026-2027 school year.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On Monday, April 13, the Pettisville Board of Education met for its regular monthly meeting in the school’s conference room with members Brent Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, Barry Hoylman, Scott Rupp and Pam Skates around the table.
Treasurer Chris Lee, Superintendent Josh Clark, Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel and Junior High/High School Principal Adam Wagner were also present to share school news with the board.
Following the opening prayer delivered by member Barry Hoylman, the board approved the March 2026 meeting minutes, accepted financial reports as presented by the treasurer and authorized the payment of bills.
NEW THIRD-GRADE TEACHER APPROVED
Superintendent Clark introduced Lindsi Rufenacht, the final candidate for a third-grade teaching position, to the board.
Elementary Principal Waldvogel shared that after speaking with Rufenacht, he feels that she is a good fit for the district.
“I think her vision aligns with ours, so I think it’s going to be a fun time. We are doing some changing in our staff and in the way we are approaching some things, and I think everything that she does fits very well.
“So, it’s going to be an exciting time, I think,” Waldvogel shared.
The board officially approved Rufenacht’s employment for the 2026-2027 school year, with member Justin Rufenacht abstaining from the vote.
STEAM COORDINATOR RESIGNS
STEAM Coordinator Greg Waidelich submitted his resignation effective July 31. Superintendent Clark elaborated on the departure, noting Waidelich plans to enter the private sector.
“…We are gonna miss him. He was a fantastic STEAM Coordinator. He really got that program moving…we appreciate what he’s brought to Pettisville. So, we wish him the best as he goes on to become a CPA,” Clark added.
PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS
In other personnel matters, the board approved several contract appointments. Steve Hastings and Chris Richer were each approved to serve as co-head varsity softball coaches, while Joe Davis was appointed as an assistant varsity softball coach.
Matthew Steele was approved as music director on a supplemental contract for the 2025-2026 school year, and Wendee Lovins was approved to serve as a summer custodial employee.
Summer 2026 student workers Grace Hastings, Sam Hastings, Alex Galvin, Echo Eash, Addison Thompson, Ryan Bishop, Caleb Lako and Kobe Hoylman were also approved by the board.
Limited certified contracts were approved for Dacoda Hinegardner (five-year), Sophie King (one-year), Tanner Rufenacht (three-year), Regina Reidling (three-year), Sarah Roper (one-year) and Carly Dobson (one-year).
Jenae Lammers, Christina Reiniche, Zach Herman, Wendee Lovins, Elsa Alencastro, Kenzie Stickley, Sarah Carper and Kirsten Weirauch were approved for two-year limited classified contracts.
ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
In administrative reports, Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel noted that state testing began last week and will continue through the month.
Kindergarten registration was held on April 2 with 24 students, compared to 30 students who registered the previous year.
Elementary students have been working on the spring operetta “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Other upcoming events in the elementary include the Sweetheart Dance, the Fifth Grade Science Fair, the Second Grade Consumer Fair, and class field trips.
JUNIOR HIGH/HIGH SCHOOL REPORT
The Junior High/High School report was delivered by Superintendent Clark in Mr. Wagner’s absence. Clark congratulated the cast and crew of Freaky Friday for their recent successful performance.
In March, Pettisville held its second annual Amazing Shake program with the seventh-graders, and the following students received top five honors: Laney Costigan and Ryleigh Brown (tied for fourth and fifth place), Landri Rufenacht (third place), Carter Rychener (second place) and Alec Genter (first place).
These students will participate in the final round, which will be held at Worthington Steel on April 23.
Seniors traveled to Sauder Village to help prepare the grounds for the summer season as part of the annual Senior Community Service Day.
Other upcoming events in the high school include Prom on April 18 with walk-ins beginning at 5 p.m., Scholarship Night on Monday, May 11 at 7 p.m. and commencement on Sunday, May 24 at 2:30 p.m.
After he arrived at the meeting, Principal Wagner supplemented his report by thanking Mrs. Donna Meller for facilitating a trip for students to Shawnee State Park Lodge for the Ohio Student Wildlife Research Symposium.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Chris Lee reported that he is looking into the possibility of refinancing bonds originally issued for the construction of the current school building.
The bonds are scheduled to be paid in full by 2036; however, refinancing could save the district approximately $100,000 in interest.
Lee indicated that he plans to meet with a financial advisor later in the week to further discuss the option.
Lee also shared that the Rover pipeline has paid the disputed portion of its 2019 property tax bill following a lengthy appeals process. The company had been “tender paying” or making partial payments based on its own valuation while the case was pending.
Pettisville Schools is expected to receive approximately $291,700, including interest. Lee noted that property tax disputes for the years beyond 2019 have not yet been settled.
MUSIC BOOSTERS FUNDS DISCUSSION
A discussion was held regarding the return of $22,750 in unused funds back to the Music Boosters after a canceled 2026 music trip.
Concerns were raised about how the funds would be distributed, including a proposal to provide $600 scholarships to senior band and choir members, and whether that approach would be fair to underclassmen and consistent with district policy on fundraising and fund use.
One board member also questioned if such a move would set a precedent for future similar situations.
Superintendent Clark and Treasurer Lee requested time for further review and discussion with the Music Boosters before returning the funds. The board voted to table the matter for further consideration.
OTHER BOARD ACTIONS
The board also approved the following items:
-Overnight trip for the FFA to Columbus for the Ohio State Convention from April 29 to May 2.
-2026-2027 service agreement with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center.
-Participation in the OHI Charter Group Rating Program for the 2026-2027 year for Worker’s Compensation group rating.
With nothing further, the meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m. The next Pettisville Board of Education meeting is set for Tuesday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m.