(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH … Delta Elementary School student Jaxon Gose, Delta Middle School student Caden Bower, and Delta High School student Cadence Shallenbarger were introduced to the board as the April Students of the Month.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Pike-Delta-York Board of Education held their meeting on Wednesday, April 16th. 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 March 26th, along with the current agenda.
Recognition of students followed next with the board honoring Delta Elementary School student Jaxon Gose, Delta Middle School student Caden Bower, and Delta High School student Cadence Shallenbarger as April’s Students of the Month. Recognition for artistic achievement was also given as Sophia Bonfert and Cody Stricker received Top Photographer Awards.
The board then moved on to celebrate a number of winter athletic accomplishments, recognizing several student-athletes and coaches. Abby Savage and Josilyn Welch were recognized as state qualifiers for indoor track and field. Kennedy Mull was recognized in gymnastics, also as a state qualifier. In girls basketball, Anna Lohman was acknowledged for being named to the 3rd Team All-Ohio, while Kendal Sprow received Honorable Mention All-Ohio.
Tyson Bower also earned 3rd Team All-Ohio recognition in boys basketball. A number of Delta wrestlers were also acknowledged, including Adam Mattin as a state champion, Tyler Barnes as state runner-up, Richard Flores III and Cass Chiesa each placing 4th at state, Landon Lintermoot as a state qualifier, and Lane Lopez for placing 5th at the state level.
Coaching recognitions were given out as well, with Kelsey Gillen receiving NWOAL Coach of the Year, D7 Coach of the Year, and NW District Coach of the Year in girls basketball. Wrestling coach Mark Nagel was named D3 State Coach of the Year.
Superintendent Jon Burke then shared, during his report, that he had recently used a vacation day to participate in a Habitat for Humanity project in Toledo, helping with roofing on a home. He also noted that he currently serves as Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and stated that Delta is eligible for the Vibrant Communities Grant.
He mentioned they are working to generate ideas regarding a site along the 109 corridor. He also stated that he would be meeting with the village administrator the following day to check on the status of Delta Acres.
Treasurer Leland Hays followed with his report, stating that there is a lot happening at the state level and that many in education finance are feeling the pressure.
He explained that proposed legislation may place a cap of up to 35% on year-end cash balances and could also limit increases in revenue.
He noted that expenses have risen, in part due to unexpected budget volumes, recent purchases of Chromebooks, and curriculum updates.
Hays further stated that many school districts are experiencing financial strain as traditional public schools continue to lose funding, with the expiration of COVID-related funding in years past contributing to the challenges.
He summed up the current financial environment by saying it’s “about as on fire as your hair can get right about now,” when speaking about current state proposals. The board then approved the treasurer’s report.
Building reports followed with a shared sentiment that the schools have been busy with state testing. Board members noted they were proud of how students have handled the process.
Board committee discussion then brought up the distribution of meeting agendas. It was noted that although this month’s delay was due to unnamed circumstances, there is interest in developing a backup plan.
The general goal remains to get the agenda to the board president the Friday before the meeting, but it was suggested that sending it to all board members may be beneficial moving forward to give everyone more time to review.
A list of donations and overnight trips was approved as part of the consent agenda before moving on to discuss the possibility of adding a school resource officer.
Superintendent Burke explained that the district is currently working on a three-year agreement and that the police department will be applying for a five-year grant to help cover the cost.
The initial cost would be $45,000 with the village potentially picking up the remaining balance for overtime and other expenses.
The plan would place the officer in the schools during the academic year and out in the community during the summer, with the cost increasing by three percent each year.
Burke stated this effort has taken time due to recent turnover within the police department, having worked with four different police chiefs in the past 18 months.
With staffing levels now improved and both sides in agreement, the district is in a good place to move forward. A motion was made, and the item was ultimately tabled for further discussion at the next meeting.
The board then entered executive session at 7:31 p.m. and adjourned following their return.