UPCOMING GAME … Stryker Principal Dave Schultz (pictured) announced at the school board meeting that the Stryker baseball team will be playing Fayette at the Toledo Mud Hens’ Fifth Third Field, on May 9. (PHOTO BY DANIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
The Stryker School Board meeting on April 17 began with the call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All five board members, Brent Froelich, Jason Leupp, Sharon VonSeggern, Dan Hughes and Emily Clemens were in attendance.
In the first order of business, the board approved the agenda for the April 17 meeting. Next, the board approved the meeting minutes from the previous March 20 regular meeting.
That was followed by the board approving of the treasurer/CFO’s March 2023 financial report. The general fund cash balance was $9,485,502.82 and total revenue was $1,579,088.25.
Next, the board approved the amended certificate of estimated resources and amendment to the appropriations, as presented.
The board then approved participation in the OHI Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program.
Next, Dean of Students Beth Moore gave a report. First, grades 3-6 took a tour of the Spangler Company, on April 13. Then, on April 14, the Karuna House paid a visit to grades 1-3. Also, kindergarten screening took place on April 24.
Next, the fourth grade will be taking a field trip to the Henry Ford Museum on May 3. Also, the kindergarten and first grade will be taking a field trip to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, on May 4.
On May 6, there will be a spring art day and PBIS awards will be presented. Also, the fifth and sixth graders will take a field trip to Cedar Point on May 11 and the second and third graders will be taking a field trip to the Toledo Zoo, on May 17.
Finally, the first through fourth graders will be singing the National Anthem at a Stryker home softball game on April 24 and at a Stryker home baseball game on May 8.
Next, Principal Dave Schultz gave the junior high and high school report. Schultz stated that state testing began on April 17 and midterms for the fourth nine weeks are on April 19.
The prom will take place at the ESC on April 22. Also, the Think Fast Interactive Seminar will take place in Montpelier, on April 26.
Also, the Four County Career Center will be holding the National Tech Honor Society awards on April 27. Janelle DeGraffenreid and Abbie Meyer will be receiving awards.
Next, the Karuna House will have its final visit for the school year on April 29. Also, academic awards night will take place on May 3 and the state FFA trip will take place on May 4.
Finally, the junior high and high school Festival of the Arts will take place on May 7, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be a high school PBIS field day on May 8.
Also, the Stryker baseball team will host Fayette at the Toledo Mud Hens’ Fifth Third Field, on May 9.
Next, the board approved the following employment contracts for all certified and classified personnel, for the 2023-24 school year: Brenda DeGroff, teacher, through Oct. 13, 2023; three year teachers: Megan Barber, Angie Behnfeldt, Amanda Fritsch, Renee Hahn, Blake Ruffer, Allyson Rupp, Sara Taylor and Joe Keween; new hire teacher Bailey Short; one year teachers: Kevin Pool, Megan Lirot, Tim Morr, Nicole Meyer, Hannah Sanford and Kylie Rufenacht; one year high school administration assistant Melissa Andres, one year transportation Gary Stuckey; one year aide Mandy Oberlin; tutors Darian Schnitkey, Megan DeGroff, Shawn Glen, Hannah Amos and Renee Myers; school nurses Darlene Repp and Shannon Grime; department substitutes/summer workers Olivia Breininger, Mandy Oberlin, Kamie Beck, Chad Carroll and Larry Davis.
The board also approved Kyleigh Nickels, high school basketball cheerleading and junior high football cheerleading and Joanie Bell.
Next, the board approved the following supplemental contracts for the 2023-24 school year: Tyler Woolace, varsity basketball boys; Alexa Meade, varsity volleyball; Conner Varner, varsity basketball girls; John Ruffer, varsity golf; Megan DeGroff, junior high and high school cross country; Kent Holsopple, head football coach; football assistants Alex Grice, Duncan Cuykendall, Austin Nickels and Tyler Jordan; Ali Armstrong, high school football cheerleading; Tye Towns, boys basketball assistant; Molly Kidston, girls basketball assistant; Steve Peters, junior high football coach; Zach Juillard, junior high football assistant; Blake Ruffer, seventh grade boys basketball; Ashley Haines, seventh grade girls basketball; John Ruffer, eighth grade boys basketball; Haley Williams, eighth grade girls basketball; Mike Donovan, ninth grade boys basketball; Ali Armstrong, junior high basketball cheerleading; Shawn Glenn, weight room monitor; Jade Eberle, Panthian Advisor; Dustin Maroon, A.V. Advisor; Paula Short, junior class advisor; Stacey Short, junior class advisor, Blake Burkholder, mentor coordinator; mentors Mel Baldwin and Sara Taylor; N.H.S. Advisor Sara Taylor; Laura Moser, art club; Larry Freshour, Panther Tech Club; Matt Amos, FFA Club; Dustin Maroon, archery club coach; Blake Burkholder, archery club assistant; and extended contracts for Maroon, band; Mike Donovan, guidance; and Amos, VoAg.
Next, the board approved the superintendent’s following three recommendations: the class of 2023 for graduation on May 21; the NEOLA New, Revised, Updated Policies and Administrative Guidelines and the following, Faculty, High School/Junior High and Elementary Student and Coaches Handbook for the 2023-24 school year.
The school board then moved into executive session. The next regular scheduled board of education meeting is May 15, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com