NEW KNOXVILLE – The New Knoxville Board of Education greeted the new junior-senior high principal at their May 23 monthly meeting.
Superintendent Kim Waterman introduced Mark Platfoot as the new principal. He replaces current principal Jenny Fledderjohann, who is returning to teaching in the district.
Platfoot, a Jackson Center native, received his bachelors degree at The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Leadership at the American College of Education. He began his teaching career with two years at a Columbus charter school, three years at a Dayton charter school, and the last seven years at Hardin-Houston school district as a social studies teacher and varsity basketball coach.
Another new hire welcomed by the board was Leah Prenger, who will serve dual roles as a junior high language arts teacher and health teacher. Prenger, a Maria Stein native, has been teaching in Versailles schools as a middle school ELA teacher and intervention specialist.
The May five year forecast, presented by school treasurer Andy Meckstroth, showed that with current spending and revenue predictions, deficit spending will only begin in the last two years, with the treasurer anticipating deficit spending totaling $25,359 in 2024 (total revenue of $5,676,364 vs total expenditures of $5,701,723). In 2025, the deficit is predicted to increase to $76,557 (total anticipated revenue of $5,856,397 vs total expenditures of $5,932,954).
He said factors influencing the smaller-than-expected deficit included a flat budget over the next five years and more funding from the state of Ohio’s new fair funding formula for the school district. He added the quarterly income tax report came through from Shelby county and property taxes were up. It was noted that the school’s new electrical system, where led bulbs replaced all old fixtures, saved $20,000 in costs over the previous year.
The board also gave permission to for the school district to advertise and receive bids for a new school bus through the Southwest Ohio Educational Purchasing Council. Waterman said this vehicle will replace bus 10, which is not expected to pass the next inspection. The old bus will be sold.
Other purchases approved include a laser engraver for the VoAg classes, an upgrade on the school WiFi, replacement of the existing water heating storage tank for the elementary wing and kitchen, a new floor scrubber, and a contract with Taylor Painting and Striping LLC to seal and paint the parking lots and playground this summer. Also approved was a contract for nursing services with the Auglaize County Health Department and payment for membership in OHSSA for the 2022-2023 school year.
Fledderjohann said class valedictorians were Haley Fledderjohann, Alysha Katterheinrich, Jessica Miltner and Erica Weadock. Salutatorian is Parker Banner. The 28 seniors will graduate on Sunday, May 29, at 2 p.m.
