PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFTS … The STEAM program hosted a fundraiser featuring unique Christmas gift options for sale, including Christmas ornaments crafted with STEAM class equipment.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On Monday, December 9, the Pettisville School Board met for its last regular meeting of 2024. The board accepted the financial reports presented by the treasurer, authorized the payment of submitted bills, and approved the minutes from the November 2024 meeting.
Looking ahead to the new year, the board scheduled its annual organizational meeting for Monday, January 13, at 7 p.m., with its regular meeting to follow immediately after.
In personnel news, Tanner Rufenacht was appointed to serve as a basketball coach for the 7th and 8th grades. Addressing district matters, the board then adopted policy updates.
In the elementary report, Principal Jason Waldvogel shared that the annual holiday concert featuring grades K-4 was held on December 4.
He offered a note of thanks to Mr. Beck, Mrs. Reidling, and the elementary teachers for their part in making the presentation a great success.
Waldvogel also thanked technology coordinator Mr. Zimmerman for providing a video stream as a backup for the overflow crowd.
Continuing with holiday happenings, Santa will visit PES students on December 20 to share some words of wisdom and treat students to fruit and candy bars courtesy of the Pettisville Business Association.
The Bird Perch Community Hour, organized by the elementary school and Mrs. Mary Sauder, is back and has seen a couple of successful sessions.
The gathering offers a chance for community members within the school district to connect with others over a cup of coffee and hear the latest Blackbird news.
Junior High/High School Principal Adam Wagner shared in his report that on December 5, the Spanish Club hosted a fundraising chili supper during the boys’ basketball game.
The STEAM program is also hosting a fundraiser featuring unique Christmas gift options for sale, including Christmas ornaments and a chess set designed by one of the students, all crafted using STEAM class equipment.
The holiday spirit will be in full swing with a Junior High Band/Choir concert on December 10 and a High School Band/Choir, Jazz Band, and Noteworthy performance on December 16.
Students and staff will also celebrate Christmas Spirit Week from December 16-20 with dress-up days including a crazy sock day, red and green day, candy cane stripes day, grinch day, and crazy Christmas/ugly sweater day.
On December 2, the school’s quiz team “The Nerd Herd” brought home the Fulton County Tournament trophy.
Seventh and eighth graders are currently taking part in The Amazing Shake program, where students have the opportunity to learn important skills such as etiquette and interview techniques.
Moving on to financial matters, Treasurer Christopher Lee presented his report. Upon his request, the board approved the repayment of an advance in the amount of $17,406.25 from the turbine account to the General Fund and also gave the green light to an annual transfer of $36,000 from the turbine account to the QSCB Repayment Fund.
Before adjourning, the board entered into an executive session “for the purpose of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official.”
Upon exiting the closed-door session, the board approved a 2% pay increase for Treasurer Lee.
The Pettisville School Board will be reconvening for the first time in 2025 on Monday, January 13 beginning with its organizational meeting at 7:00 p.m. and will follow with its regular meeting immediately after organizational items have been addressed.