(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
POSITIVE NEWS … Assessment is underway to identify the repairs needed to get the district’s wind turbine back up and running.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
Pettisville Board of Education met for a brief regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 14, 2024, with members Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Barry Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates in attendance.
Also on hand were Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel, High School/Junior High Principal Adam Wagner, Treasurer Chris Lee, and Superintendent Josh Clark ready to share the latest district happenings with the board.
In his report to the board, Superintendent Clark mentioned that a crew would visit the school later in the week to assess the necessary repairs needed to get the district’s wind turbine back up and running.
“It’s been a long time coming but we’ve finally had some communication which is some positive news…,” Clark added. The wind turbine has not been operating properly since earlier this year.
Bringing the efforts of the Pettisville School Foundation to the forefront, Clark also mentioned that in future board meetings, he will be sharing information about various grants the foundation offers to the district.
The superintendent also briefly touched on Ohio Senate Bill 29, which addresses student data privacy.
He noted that the implementation of the legislation is still in its early stages, and the administration is awaiting further guidance.
Looking at routine matters, the board approved minutes from its September meeting and the treasurer’s financial reports before authorizing bills for payment.
Several personnel items were also addressed during the meeting. Shannon Borton was approved to move to Masters+15, while both Amy Murrey and Lexie Kelley were approved to move to Bachelor 150.
Hanna Beck was appointed as the Junior High Cheerleading Advisor, and Tanner Rufenacht and Steve Hastings were approved as volunteer coaches for Junior High Basketball and Girls’ Basketball, respectively. Kristen Hogrefe was also approved to serve as a Volunteer Girls’ Basketball Coach.
In supplemental contracts, Donna Meller and Marla Miller were appointed to share the duties of Freshman Class Advisor, while Rebecca Sivik and Andy Switzer were approved as Co-Quiz Team Advisors.
Julia Richer was appointed as Spanish Club Advisor and Greg Waidelich was approved as the Mentor Teacher Coordinator.
After a brief discussion, the board appointed Barry Hoylman to serve as delegate to the OSBA Capital Conference while Pam Skates will serve as alternate.
Board member Justin Rufenacht was appointed to the Pettisville School Foundation Board of Trustees upon the expiration of former board member Brent King’s term.
Treasurer Chris Lee shared his financial update noting that he had little new news to report at this time however he will be presenting the Board with the updated 5-year Forecast at the November meeting.
Principal Waldvogel shared a few highlights from the elementary in his report. The Blackbird Pantry is currently serving six families in the school district, and that number has decreased from the previous month.
From October through May, elementary students will take part in “Fun Fridays” led by Mrs. Saffell. Activities include Family Fun Days, spirit days, quiz/trivia competitions, and character awards assemblies.
On October 31 elementary students will celebrate the cooler season with Fall class parties and a costume parade. This year’s festivities will begin at 2:30 p.m., which is a time change from previous years.
Waldvogel shared that preparations are underway for parent-teacher conferences, which are scheduled for November 7 through 9. Third graders will take the State ELA test on October 22 and 23.
Principal Wagner reported that the high school will hold its Veterans Day Assembly on Thursday, November 7. Veterans and their families are invited to breakfast from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m., followed by an assembly at 8:30 a.m. in the high school gym. The guest speaker for this year’s event will be Danny Dymarkowski.
In other events, during the week of October 28, a mock election will be hosted in the library by Mrs. Lammers and the Social Studies department for students to take part in. On Friday, November 1, high school students will present a fall play, “12 Angry Jurors.”
Wagner shared that the school has once again partnered with the 2nd & 7 Foundation. The foundation’s nationwide Role Model Reading Program encourages high school and college student-athletes to participate in weekly readings in second-grade classrooms.
Pettisville 12th-grade athletes will begin reading to second graders on Friday, October 18 and each second-grade student will receive four books throughout the year.
The next Pettisville Board of Education meeting will be held in the school’s conference room on November 18.