Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers students share successes

Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technology Centers' board of education heard from gold-medal winners at Thursday's meeting at Sentinel. Students discussed their first-place accomplishments in the Ohio SkillsUSA competition in Columbus and board members also heard about construction projects that are part of Sentinel's public safety program. Two senior cosmetology students, Dayna Dymond from Old Fort and Taylor Werling from Columbian, presented their team's first-place SkillsUSA project to the board. Dymond explained the process of constructing the replica of an 1865 one-room school house. Mohawk senior Cole Butler, a building construction trades student, also was part of the chapter display team's entry. Dymond said SkillsUSA and Sentinel have taught the team leadership, citizenship, team-building and professional skills they would not have received elsewhere. Superintendent Greg Edinger led everyone to the unfinished public safety facility for the remainder of the meeting. Three senior construction trade students and gold-medal winners — Nolan Weaver from Old Fort and Jared Kaiser and Austin McClimans from Seneca East — told the board how working on the facility has prepared them for "real-life jobs." Aaron Thompson, building trades instructor, said the construction project isn't just about erecting a building. It's about students getting experience and learning skills through hands-on training. Edinger offered a "snapshot" of proposed expansion and growth on both campuses. He said the manufacturing program had 47 students in 2013 and has increased to 73 students this year. Health programs have seen a increase from 114 to 200. There are 1,100 students on campus today with a 85 percent retention rate compared to 77 percent in 2013. Edinger envisions 1,300 students in three years, putting the district on the threshold of being eligible for state guaranteed funding. "We are looking for efficiency," he said. "How we can combine, consolidate and condense." He challenged everyone to "think outside the box." He wants to be sure capacity can accommodate his three-year growth goal. Administrators and board members acknowledged the dedication of two longtime Sentinel instructors. Retiring at the end of the year are Dave Fryman, a welding instructor for 27 years, and Tom Renninger, an electrical trades instructor for 22 years. Edinger presented each with gifts of recognition. Regarding personnel issues, the board: • Agrees not to renew probationary limited teaching contracts with Dawn Stechschulte and Jenee Kohlhurst. Treasurer Alan Binger is to give written notice of this action to the employees and include a description of circumstances leading to the action. • Accepted the resignation of Cody Keegan, probationary teacher, effective April 1. • Issued one-year, 2017-18 teaching contracts, pending proper credentials, to David Olds, Fremont, Vanguard criminal justice instructor, $49,493; Elizabeth Murphy, Green Springs, Vanguard English instructor, $42,307; Linda Daniel, Bellevue, Vanguard independent living instructor, $49,493: Elliott Coble, Fostoria, Sentinel electrical trades instructor, $43,585; Steve Newland, Tiffin, Sentinel welding instructor, $49,493; and Andrew Brickner, Tiffin, Sentinel engineering, technologies and robotics instructor, $43,585. • Issued a part-time contract for the remainder of 2016-17 to Daniel Hoerig, substitute custodian, as assigned. • Issued an employment contract for the remainder of 2016-17 to Christine Stark, adult education financial aid adviser, as needed. • Approved leave without pay for Christina Hoelzle, Vanguard secretary, June 12-16. In other business, the board: • Approved Binger's financial reports. • Approved purchase of model 450AJ SP boom lift, safety vests and lanyards from Skyworks Equipment, Perrysburg, for $50,000, NEXUS grant funded. • Approved technical and other assistance from Tri-Rivers Educational Career Center, Marion, for $97,464, Straight A grant funded. • Authorized Edinger to seek bids for final construction work of Sentinel public safety project, technology and security systems, parking lot resurfacing and loose furnishings. • Authorized Edinger to seek bids for Vanguard Adult Workforce Development Center's fire alarm and boiler replacements. Executive session was entered with no action taken. The board is to meet at 6:30 p.m. May 18 in the Fremont Administration Building.