(PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
UNITY PROJECT UPDATE … Superintendent Josh Clark (left) speaks to the board about the license and donation agreement for the Unity Project.
(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
PHASE II … Involves the construction of a facility at the south fields, featuring restrooms, concessions, storage, and a press booth. Similar structures are also planned for the track, soccer field, and north baseball field as part of the project.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
The Pettisville School Board met for its regular meeting on June 16 with members Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Barry Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates on hand.
Treasurer Chris Lee and Superintendent Josh Clark rounded out the smaller group, as principals Jason Waldvogel and Adam Wagner were not in attendance due to summer break.
Addressing the consent agenda first, the board approved the minutes from its May meeting, accepted the treasurer’s financial reports, and authorized the payment of bills as submitted for approval.
A late addition to the agenda was a request for the approval of the license and donation agreement for the Pettisville Unity Project.
The Pettisville Unity Project is a collaborative initiative to enhance both the school and the community. The joint effort brings together representatives from several local groups, including the Pettisville Music Boosters, Pettisville School Foundation, FFA Alumni, Athletic Boosters, and the school district itself.
The project is being carried out in three phases. Phase I centered on renovating the school’s media center. With that phase nearing completion, the focus is now turning to Phase II which involves the addition of outdoor restrooms and concession stands. Eventually, Phase III will introduce the Blackbird Center, a multi-use STEAM pavilion and fieldhouse.
“We are essentially funded for the restroom and concession stand buildings as well.
So, we’ll be asking you to approve designs tonight.”
“This agreement allows for the Pettisville School Foundation to be the vehicle to drive the project, and the Board of Education gets to approve the design,” Superintendent Clark clarified.
Later in the meeting, the board approved the license and donation agreement for the Pettisville Unity Project and also signed off on the designs for the Phase II – Outdoor Restrooms and Concession Stands.
Addressing personnel items, the board extended one-year contracts to Carly Dobson, to serve as a kindergarten teacher for the 2025-2026 school year, and Sophie King, as a 5th-grade math and science teacher. Several Athletic Supplemental Contracts for the 2025-2026 school year were also approved.
In the treasurer’s report, Chris Lee submitted several year-end housekeeping items for the board’s approval.
These included FY25 appropriation modifications and the certificate of resources, FY26 temporary appropriations and revenue estimates, and repayment of a $22,197.66 advance made to the athletic fund on June 30, 2024.
Also upon the treasurer’s recommendation, the board voted to approve SORSA as the liability, fleet, and property insurance carrier at a cost of $52,654 which is a 5% increase over the previous year.
The board authorized Lee to make any other appropriation modifications and adjustments necessary to close the fiscal year and to report those at the next regular meeting.
During the board report, member Scott Rupp shared that the school’s FCA group will be leading worship at the upcoming Pettisville Friendship Days celebration.
Superintendent Josh Clark provided updates on behalf of both building principals. He noted that Elementary Principal Mr. Waldvogel has spent the summer conducting interviews to fill teaching vacancies, while Junior High/High School Principal Adam Wagner has been leading a book study with district staff on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
Clark also addressed the status of the wind turbine, explaining that while repairs have progressed, the district is still waiting on parts to ensure the equipment is fully restored.
Before the meeting adjourned, Clark shared an update on the state’s biennial operating budget bill.
“You know we can have (had) a lot of discussion about it, but until it’s actually finalized, it’s all speculation, Clark commented.
“So the House did not approve the Senate’s version. We’re kind of in caucus again, so that’s where we’re at. It’s got to hit DeWine’s desk as well, and he has the option to line-item veto. So, yeah, we could be far from over.”
The next Pettisville Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 14 at 8:00 p.m. in the school’s conference room.