Old Fort Schools creating new mission, vision

OLD FORT — Superintendent Tom Peiffer explained the new mission, as well as the vision for Old Fort Schools at the latest Board of Education meeting Monday. Peiffer presented the possible new district vision and mission statements, which were developed after surveying school and community members. The vision statement is described by Peiffer as what the district wants students to become upon graduation. The vision statement is as follows: "All Stockaders will be prepared with the skills and confidence to choose purposeful, productive paths." "It's not high in the sky, that's what we want for every one of our students," said Peiffer. The mission statement explains how the district will go about preparing students to realize the vision statement. The mission statement is as follows: "The Old Fort Local School District exists to challenge students with rigorous academic and behavioral expectations in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Our district is committed to developing staff through ongoing collaboration, education and communication. We partner with students, families, and our community to instill a sense of pride and trust in all we do." Peiffer says the statements will be approved at next month's meeting. Both statements are not final and still being developed. In other business, the board accepted a relatively small donation of general school supplies, books and musical instruments. The district also hired the following individuals: Kathy Gilmor as an aide and testing coordinator; Emily Mick and Angela Fredritz as classified substitutes. The district also approved the following supplemental positions for the 2019-2020 school year, mostly coaches: Randy Butler as bowling coach; Mackie Ward as girls basketball seventh grade coach; Mark Miller as girls basketball eighth grade coach; Tim Ritzler as girls varsity basketball coach; Tyler Ardner as girls JV basketball coach; Greg Woodruff as girls basketball assistant varsity coach; Eric Hoover as boys basketball head coach; Cole Davidson as boys JV basketball coach; Steve Adelsperger as boys assistant varsity basketball coach; Phil Riehm as boys basketball eighth grade coach; Matt Hill as boys basketball seventh grade coach; Megan Zimmerman as junior high cheer coach; Amanda Williams as varsity cheer coach; Jason Halka as COAC advisor. Jay Pence was not present at the meeting. The board's next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Old Fort High School board office.