Smiles were everywhere at the regular June meeting of the Bellefontaine Board of Education Monday night.
Preliminary results of the Ohio Achievement Assessment were announced. Bellefontaine City Schools reached the required level in 25 of the 26 possible indicators. This is a significant improvement from last year in which 18 indicators were met.
Superintendent Beth Harman (pictured left) updated the board on the construction progress of the two new buildings. Because of cooperative weather, the elementary school is about three weeks ahead of schedule. The middle school, which fell behind because of shale problems, isn't completely back on schedule but will be soon.
Beth Harman discusses several topics.
Denise Johnson, 3rd grade teacher at Southeastern, reported on the progress of the Race to the Top initiative. The project has completed its second year and has achieved far above its intended goals. To the point, according to Mrs. Johnson, that Bellefontaine has been asked to present their techniques to other districts this fall.
The highlight of several personnel changes was the recognition of Dennis Showalter. Because of retirement, Monday's meeting was his last. Showalter was an elementary and middle school administrator and director of special education before before finishing his career as the curriculum director.
In other personnel moves, the board accepted the resignation of Western Intermediate Special Education teacher Colleen Gase, Northeastern 3rd grade teacher Andrea Kittel, and district nurse Mary Gildow.
Four new hires were approved: Lori McIntyre Wilson, middle school special education; Becky O'Rielley, middle school guidance; Lauren Turner, Northeastern 3rd grade; and David Cavinder, Coordinator of Bus Maintenance.
Four high school supplemental positions were approved: Jessica Lininger, volleyball assistant; Garth McLoed, drama club; and Ryan Sawmiller and Gavin Yoder, baseball assistants.
The real estate property in which Southeastern Elementary is located will soon be up for auction. With the opening of the new elementary buildiing in 2013, the building will be vacated. The minimum bid for the property will be $400,000.
120 elementary students are presently in summer school. This figure is up from 90 last year.
The board announced their $1,000 academic scholarship winners for 2012-13: Patrick Boyle (Miami), Mark Hess (Cincinnati), Taylor Mitchell (Wittenberg), Carlina Showalter (Bowling Green), and Bailey Tester (Wright State).
The next meeting will be July 16th at 6:30 p.m.
