By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Pike-Delta-York Board of Education held their meeting on Wednesday, October 11th. The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance before board members moved to approve minutes from the prior meeting held on September 20th.
Recognition of guests and visitors took place next with the following students being recognized by the board.
Delta Elementary School students Troy Meiring and Harper Cheney, Delta Middle School student Gabriella Carrizales, and Delta High School student Carl Warner Jr.
These students were selected by their teachers to be October’s students of the month at Pike-Delta-York.
Tenth-grade students Mya Martinez and Keagyn Gillen were also recognized for their artistic achievements in photography.
The board then heard from Brittany Rollins in regard to what she explained was a bullying issue. Rollins stated that her son had been pulled down at recess and was kicked.
She also explained that the punishment for the child in question involved missing out on recess, and that other children have been “stabbed” with a pencil, and forced to the ground, and made to eat berries.
Rollins went on to ask the board to look into the bullying policy at the school and make changes to it, possibly to include a three-strikes rule.
Other members of the audience also stood up when asked by Rollins if they have a child who was bullied this past year.
The treasurer’s report followed next with it being stated there were no major changes since the last meeting.
It was however stated that the tax abatement donation agreement was received by Fulton Processing and that the company has been a good partner of the schools.
Health insurance rates for the coming year were also discussed with it being said the new rate will only encompass a 4% increase over the current year.
Information was also given regarding the substitute levy coming up on the ballot, with it being stated once again that this is only a renewal.
The Superintendent’s report followed after with the topic of volunteers being touched on. It was asked whether or not these volunteer coaches were subject to the same background check rules regular coaches were subject to.
The topic was closed with it being stated more discussion would come. Overnight trips were also discussed with the following items also being passed by the board.
Approval for the Class of 2030 and sixth-grade staff to attend the outdoor education camp at the YMCA Storer Camp on February 28th, 2024.
Approval for the Delta High School FFA department to attend the Ohio FFA State Ag and Urban Soils CDC Competition in Lancaster, Ohio on October 13th.
The high school wrestling team was also given approval for numerous overnight stays to various locations along with an overnight stay for the middle school wrestling team and high school cheerleading team.
Board policies were then updated before the board heard a presentation from Superintendent Burke.
The presentation was regarding a new program the school is looking to start called “Portrait of a Panther”. Building reports followed next before the board moved to adjourn at 7:34 p.m.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com