Lakota school board recognizes retiring staffer

Lakota schools superintendent Jon C. Detwiler honored retiring 19-year paraprofessional Denise Wells at the school board meeting Monday evening, describing her as one of the community’s greatest gifts. He added she will be remembered not just for her active service but also for her heart. Co-workers described Wells’ service through a community church in Bradner and the surrounding area, preparing Easter baskets, helping with food through a food pantry “God’s Storehouse” and utilities, and facilitating resources for those in need. Treasurer Norm Elchert told the board “it is great to be home and serving as the treasurer of a great school district.” Elchert served the district in a number of positions before leaving to become Fostoria’s treasurer. He said he will be keeping a close eye on expenses, noting that comparing August 2014 to now there has been an increase in compensation, severance pay, addition of staff members, new equipment including paving of parking areas and a 2.63 percent increase in insurance. He said he will be working on a five-year forecast to see where the district is going. Detwiler introduced Dana Ward, new principal for grades pre-K to 4, to the board. Ward described a great start to the school year with a program of dispensing white tickets to students for “being good” with a drawing at the end of the month for a special lunch, “Dance Friday” with children starting out dancing in the halls to “get the wiggles out”, and “Walking Wednesday” with Mrs. Panuto and the therapy dog which has had over 150 children participating. High School Principal Sherry Sprow and grades 5-8 Principal Charles Tackett discussed intervention support plans, described as a work in progress, as a way to model appropriate behavior for students. Sprow reported on athletics in the absence of board member Tim Woodruff, relating that the varsity football team is 2-1 and ranked No. 4 in the computer points for the region. She said the volleyball team is 3-6, golf team is 5-2 and currently in second place in the league, and the cross country team’s most recent race was the Tiffin Carnival where the girls came in 37th out of 45 teams and the boys 12th out of 25 teams. She said the Myron Cline Invitational is Saturday at Lakota’s new cross country course. Tackett said the junior high cross country team is doing very well. Tackett added grades 5-6 and 7-8 will field Quiz Bowl teams Nov. 17-18 at Clyde High School. Board member Kurt Brewer gave his appreciation to Carl King for repairing the scoreboard. Board member Barbara Lehmann reported Lakota’s enrollment for Vanguard-Sentinel is up to 25 this year compared to 21 last year and a total enrollment of 1,054 at Tiffin and Fremont. After an executive session, the board unanimously agreed to remove Kellen Taylor’s name for consideration as a certified substitute, and approved Leah Petersen and Barbara Tackett. Rachel Stewart’s resignation was approved. In other personnel matters: The board approved certified personnel Michelle Schaser, Shannon O’Connor, Melissa Renfro, Tara Fortener, Karla Stechschulte, Janet Bechtel, Stephen Pleasnick, Ashley Heinz, Holly Grose, and Sarah Bensman to receive a stipend for special education meeting at a rate of $60. High school science teacher Devon Lacy was approved for a leave of absence Oct. 26-Dec. 18; and Douglas Repp was appointed as an elementary intervention specialist. Resident education coordinator Samantha Sayre received a stipend of $850. After-school tutors and Raider Rebound Monitors were approved at a rate of $20 per hour. They include Benita Bintz, Pam Clark, Michelle Balsizer, Melissa Renfro, JoAnna Bentley, Holly Grose, Ashley Heinz, Shannon O’Connor, Tracy Hushour, Julie Boice and Ryan Nusbaum. Classified personnel approved included substitutes Kandie Podach, Amy Bender, LouAnn Neller, Melanie Meddles, Barbara Tackett and Lisa Molyet. Robyn Gonyer was approved as a bus operator substitute. After-school program paraprofessionals approved included Leisha Sayler, Rose Widman and Viola Wasserman. Custodian Derek Smith was terminated and classified substitute Elaine Garcia resigned. Supplemental appointments included Bradley Schaser, junior high cross country as a volunteer; Tasha Floro, freshman volleyball; Louise Steyer as ticket taker for sporting events; and Benita Bintz and Michelle Balsizer, junior high student council. In other matters, the board approved: Donation of 80 tote bags from United Way of Sandusky County. Lakota FFA to attend National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 27-Oct. 31. Donation of school supplies and clothing for Fill A Bus Drive from members of Scott Trinity United Methodist Church. Agreement to participate in Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Centers Educational and remedial support services for this school year. Agreement with Sandusky County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Senior class trip March 21-24 to Charleston, South Carolina. Detwiler said the senior class trip schedule was adjusted in consideration of sporting events and families to be together for Easter. The board is to meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 12.