Bellefontaine City Schools held its monthly meeting Monday night in the High School Distance Learning Center. Treasurer Josh Wasson presented the district’s five-year forecast to the board. These forecasts are presented each May and November. The district’s five-year forecast is $2.5 million more favorable compared to the same projections six months ago. Additionally, the forecast has drastically improved in the last 18 months. In May ’23, Wasson was projecting nearly $1.8 million in deficit spending. School leaders put cost-saving measures into place and lowered the deficit spending. Wasson said:
The board heard two presentations during the meeting. Administrator Krista Adelsberger spotlighted the many substitute staff members and detailed the vital contributions they make each day at BCS. Substitute teachers Roz Brown, Allen Hadley, Beth Overs, Polly Rodenhausen, and Mary Smith attended the board meeting. The district has about 60 substitute teachers. National Substitute Educators Day will be celebrated on November 22nd.
Teacher Henry Stolly spoke to the board about the American Exchange Project. The program offers seniors a chance to explore another American town for a week shortly after graduation. The goal is for the students to visit a community that is vastly different from their own. Participants then welcome visiting students into their communities for the same experience. The program is held in June-July. Currently, four BHS seniors are expected to travel and host in 2025. The program offers free travel along with free room and board. You can see more at https://www.americanexchangeproject.org/.
The board then approved several agenda items. One salary adjustment was approved: Jordan Kesler MA+18 to MA+30.
Several personnel items were approved by the board. Paula Shaw was named the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) coordinator at the high school. Katelyne Ackley, Megan Cira, and Cody Sigrist were hired as home/school tutors for the ’24-’25 school year. Crystal Carothers was approved as a substitute teacher. Totiayana Bailey was hired as a substitute custodian. Samantha Ellis was hired as a substitute nurse.
The following resignations were accepted: Tiara Blevins – educational aide, Michelle Corwin – bus driver, and Brad Brown – middle school girls basketball assistant coach.
The board approved the indoor track program to be coached by Ben Davis and Cody Sigrist.
Finally, the board recognized November Seniors of the Month Hunter Kerns and Reagan Standley. They each received an achievement pin and a $15 gift card to Ron’s Pizza.
The next monthly board meeting will be on December 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Distance Learning Center at BHS. The board will meet in a special session to discuss district goals on Tuesday, November 12th at 1 p.m. at the board office.
Photos: The BCS Board meets in the Distance Learning Center.
