By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Stryker Board of Education heard an update on the Ag Tech building and Courtyard Infill during its meeting on Monday, September 15.
Board members present were Brent Froelich, Sharon vonSeggern, Dan Hughes, Emily Clemens, and Chase Stuckey. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 15 meeting.
Superintendent Nate Johnson updated board members on the latest progress on the Ag Tech Addition and Courtyard Infill projects.
Johnson said the Ag Tech building is currently in the punch list stage, so there are a few minor things to address.
Regarding the Courtyard Infill project, Johnson noted the contractors have completed the majority of the framing and have started to drywall, and HVAC duct work is being installed, as well as wiring.
“Basically, all of our facility buildings created a courtyard that was dead space, and that was the location,” noted the superintendent regarding the Courtyard Infill project.
The groundwork for the Courtyard Infill project started about five and a half years ago, with the idea of expanding because of space and safety issues in the Ag Tech building.
“We were going to have to spend some money just to maintain some of the facility structures that were deteriorating on the 1957 building addition,” said Johnson. “It just morphed into a project.”
Once construction is finished, the goal, according to Johnson, is to move into the new buildings in December and eventually be operating in the second semester of January 2026.
Elementary Principal Kallie Gensler reported that Behavior Leadership is continuing to go well, and the Panther Leadership Team is in place.
She also reported that the end of the first quarter is October 17, and there will be no preschool on October 20 due to staff training.
High School Principal Jamie Grime reported that guidance counselor Mike Donovan has been meeting with all seniors to make sure they are on the path to graduation.
Grime commented about the success of the Future Farmers of America/Panther Tech/High School Art and Elementary Fine Arts booths at the Williams County Fair. He added they represented the school district well.
The board accepted donations from David Kubicki to the Stryker Athletic Department ($1,800), Stryker Athletic Boosters to the Stryker Football Fund ($2,209), and Stryker American Legion for the donation of three flags at a value of $120.
The district’s five-year financial forecast was approved, as was the “Then and Now” certificate to Safehouse Prep in the amount of $4,000 for educational services.
In personnel action, the board accepted the resignation of Amanda Fritch as elementary quiz bowl coach, effective for the 2025-26 school year.
The board approved Shelby DeGroff and Valerie Hausch as tutors for the 2025-26 school year.
Supplemental contracts were approved for Brianna Palmer (varsity girls’ softball), Austin Nickells (varsity baseball), Barb Figgins, Amanda Julliard (assistant track), Mike Donovan, Alex Michael (baseball assistant), Ronald Crosser, Jake Palmer, Lacey Crosser (softball assistant), Braden Bumb (junior high track), Bronson Shock (junior high baseball) and Blake Burkholder (elementary quiz advisor).
Kelsie Frey was also approved as a high school girls’ basketball volunteer assistant coach.
An executive session was held for the employment of a public employee or official and to discuss details regarding the security arrangements and emergency response protocols for the board of education. No action was taken.
The next school board meeting is Monday, October 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the high school meeting room.