MINSTER — The resignation of junior and senior high Principal Dr. Jason Spencer was accepted at the Minster Board of Education meeting, Monday, March 18. The resignation is effective July 31, 2019.

Superintendent Brenda Boecke said Spencer had accepted an administrative position in a school district in Cincinnati. Spencer began his duties as principal at Minster schools August 2017. She thanked him for his two years of service to the district.

Spencer’s annual salary was $94,200. The principal position is to be posted Tuesday.

Athletic booster representative Josh Clune gave the board a positive financial report. He said the organization currently had a balance of $20,000 and was expected to have a $5,000 to $10,000 carry-over into the next school year.

He said they had found two additional income streams, including taking over the junior high concessions, as well as instituting court rental fees of $15 to $25.

Boecke said last year the board had to advance payments to the athletic department because the expenses exceeded the revenue. She said much of the expenses were due to four different teams winning state championships and the state not reimbursing the school districts for the costs associated with participating in those competitions.

Clune pointed out that, when including band numbers, almost 97 percent of their students were involved in athletic activities. He also said the boosters had agreed to buy two new score boards for the high school gym at a total cost of $7,500.

In other action, two students, Shawn Barhorst and Krista Poeppleman, were given permission to graduate early. Barhorst said he plans to attend Hobart Welding Institute. Poeppleman said she will work on the family farm.

In her report to the board, Boecke reviewed several bills impacting public education. She said the biennial budget’s transportation allotment was a concern, due to the increase in gasoline tax being considered.

Boecke also said they were concerned about House Bill 23, now begin considered in the House, which would allow F1 visas for interscholastic sports. She said, currently, students participating in the Federal Government Visitor’s Exchange Program possess a J-1 visa and are eligible for athletics for a maximum of one year. Permitting F-1 visas could potentially open recruitment of foreign student athletes to participate for four years in OHSAS-sponsored events.

District Treasurer Laura Klosterman said the new bus had arrived and, subsequent to to safety inspections, will be placed in service. Bus 5 will then be retired and sold.

Grades K-6 grade principal Leanne Keller reported that, based on English Language Arts text resource review and assessment data, their staff had been in discussion to increase instructional focus by integration of content, schedule adjustments, and purchase of more rigorous curriculum resources.

Keller reminded the board that the elementary open house was set for March 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., where visitors can see the halls decorated with the results of the students’ learning opportunities this past quarter.

Also, she said K-3 Grandparents Day is March 22.

She said 11 elementary students participated in the Eagles God, Flag and Country Speech contest. Taking first place in their age level was Maria Neikamp, in the 10-11 group; Rachel Niekamp and Hope Phillips, who tied in the 12-13 group; and Noah Walters, taking first in the 14-15 age group.

Elementary teachers Emily Hemmelgarn, sixth grade language arts; Melissa Brandewie, fifth grade language arts; and Kelly Wiss, fourth grade language arts, presented their ELA curriculum innovations.

In his report to the board, high school/junior high principal Dr. Jason Spencer submitted a report to the board congratulating the girls basketball team for winning the state championship. He also reported that the Minster Symphonic Band attained the highest possible score.

Finally, he said regarding NWEA MAP spring testing, 82.5 percent of students have already met or exceeded their seventh grade, one-year growth.