MINSTER – The Minster Board of Education held an organizational session on Jan. 13, which included the swearing in of some members to new terms and assigning each member to committee assignments.
Board members Sandy Schulze and Rich Bruns were each sworn in for new two year terms, while Trina Nixon and Ted Oldiges were sworn in for new four year terms. Connie Meiring was elected board president and Nixon was elected vice president.
It was agreed the regular monthly meetings will be scheduled for the third Monday of the month beginning at 7 p.m. in the large group meeting room of the elementary school.
The following board members have been appointed to serve on various committees:
They include Connie Meiring for the District Leadership Team, Trina Nixon to serve as representative to the Tri Star Career Compact Advisory Council, Sandra Schulze as representative to the Athletic Council, Ted Oldiges and Rich Bruns as representatives to the Recreation Committee, Jeff Monnin as the Board’s representative to the Scholarship Fund, Leslie Tyler as the board’s representative to the Community Fund, and Superintendent Brenda Boeke will be the board’s representative to the Community Improvement Committee.
At the end of the organizational portion of the meeting, Boeke shared the two calendars developed by the District Leadership Committee. She said the staff is voting on which of the two calendars they prefer. The board will approve the calendar at the February meeting.
In other action, the board accepted a donation of $1871.46 worth of technology items from Matt and Annette Quinter and also a donation of $6761.73 from the Loretta Herkenhoff Charitable Trust for various teacher requested grants.
The board approved Boeke’s recommendation to paying $3435 in membership dues for the Ohio School Board Association and $250 for the OSBA Legal Assistance program.
In her report to the board Boeke shared a review and update of the strategic plan.
In a report on activities at the elementary school. Principal Leann Keller shared results of the NWEA winter MAP scores with projected proficiency on Ohio State Tests.
She also congratulated the geography bee participants as well as the fourth-grade students participating in the Math/Science/Tech Day at Wright State Lake Campus. She is looking for a parent representative to the PBIS team.
In the high school report Principal Austin Kaylor shared the new bell schedule developed by the building leadership team. Additionally he shared information on the CCP meeting and other upcoming events.
In the Ohio Facilities Update the Board learned the school district was waiting for quotes on the cost of the items on the wish list. Once all quotes have been obtained a meeting will be held to determine how best to use the remaining contingency funds left over from the high school renovation.
An energy conservation audit to upgrade the lights in the elementary school was shared. The audit predicted the $141,410 project would improve lighting and efficiency and potentially save the district $26,750 annually in energy costs. The audit was done by Energy Optimizer. It was agreed the Board will review this project in earnest when the renovation project is complete.
A curriculum and instruction update was provided by Alexis Blum. She shared information about her “deskless” classroom as well as her flexible seating options. She said the classroom setup, which removes desks, allows her to teach more authentically through natural conversations. She said removing the desks increased engagement and communication.
The board approved the treasurer’s report, minutes, financial reports and payment of bills. Board members were also recognized for their service as January is Ohio School Board Recognition Month.
In new business, the board approved a request for a current senior student to continue at Minster for the remainder of his senior year now that his parents have moved out of the district.
The board also authorized the use of the Minster School van by Auglaize County Educational Service Center employees to transport students in the MD classroom at Minster to job sites in the community. All the drivers will be certified to drive a school van
In personnel recommendations the board approved Amy Albers as a substitute cooks helper and Jessica Wuebker as a substitute secretary and substitute school health aide. Finally Deron Goodwin was approved as a girls basketball volunteer.
The board scheduled a work session for the purpose of negotiations for February 3 at 7:00pm in the high school conference room.
The board then met in executive session for the purpose of employment and compensation of a public employee. No action was taken.
