MIDDLE … Middle School Principal Friess gives a presentation to Wauseon School Board members regarding the school’s House Program.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon Board of Education held their meeting on Friday, February 9th. The meeting began at 1:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by approval of the current agenda. The board then heard from Middle School Principal Friess regarding the school’s “House” program and its effect on student test scores.
Mr. Friess explained that it is difficult to show any data yet due to the effect COVID-19 had on prior school years.
There has been growth year over year however, data regarding the “House” program is not definitive. Examples were given showing scores year over year with Mr. Friess explaining that students are doing well and that he is proud of the test scores students are producing.
Also, a survey had been given to students earlier in the school year. Out of the 350 students who responded to the survey, almost all answers came back with strong and positive answers.
A majority of students agreed with positive statements made about the school, another majority said they were indifferent, and a small number of students said they disagreed with the statements. “The students like what we are doing, they think the teachers care and they like coming to school.”
Mr. Friess also stated that there has not been a single physical fight at all so far in the school year.
The board then moved to hear from Elementary Principal Mrs. Vietmeier, who gave a presentation about student behavior.
She explained that, to the staff members, behavior is first and instruction is second due to needing the students in the right mindset to learn.
Mrs. Vietmeier walked through behavior-related items with board members, as well as what is going on in the school when it comes to the state-mandated PBIS.
She also presented a behavior form to the board. This form is filled out and included in a student’s record if there are any behavior issues. This is done to keep a record and identify patterns.
Also mentioned were ways a student’s behavior is corrected, with Mrs. Vietmeier saying out-of-school suspensions are a last resort option, due to the student being taken out of school which results in less instruction time.
Intervention Specialist Brittani Gerken also spoke to the board regarding what her goals have been since starting this school year.
She also gave updates regarding PAX, the Seven Mindsets, showed the number of Tier 2 and Tier 3 rated students at the elementary and spoke about some of the issues seen at school this year.
The board then moved to approve minutes from the prior meeting, along with the following items as part of the Treasurer Consent Agenda. A list of bills, financial reports, and donations. As part of the donations listed, 16 local businesses each donated $500.00 towards the Middle School lighting project. A Then and Now Certificate was then approved along with a list of FY 2024 Permanent Appropriations.
The superintendent’s report then followed with each of the following items being approved. Approval of the Rachel Wixey and Associates Substitute List as presented. A list of personnel items as presented. An increase in the Parochial Van Route from 3 hours per day to 4 hours per day. Approval was also given by the board for a Fair School Funding Plan, Inc. Resolution, NEOLA Administrative Guideline revision, and updates to the Student Code of Conduct.
Next, a motion was approved for the Board of Education/Governing Board to authorize a membership for 2024-2025 in the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Numerous overnight trips were then approved as well as a Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aide Plan and Student Wellness and Success Plan.
The board then moved to enter into executive session at 2:06 p.m. Board members then returned from executive session and moved to adjourn the meeting at 2:27 p.m.
