Board approves contract to hire SRO

NEW RIEGEL --- The New Riegel Board of Education met on May 8, approving a contract with BEE Safe LLC, for the hiring of a school resource officer (SRO) for the 2023-2024 school year. The following members were present: Rodney Biggert, Angel Bodart, JeffHohmanand Darin Nye. Jaclyn Schalk was absent. Superintendent David Rombach said the district signed a contract with BEE Safe LLC, to hire a full-time SRO. He said the SRO will be used in a variety of ways for helping with student success which includes school intervention support in academics and SEL lessons in cooperation with the school counselors. Treasurer Brad Radison reported the district received the First Quarter Income Tax which was down 6% from last year for the same time frame. Radison reviewed the Five-year forecast with the board and will be submitting that to the state this week; which the board approved to be submitted. Elementary Specialist Jamie Barrows reported that all state testing is complete for students in grades K-5. She also reported that the last staff meeting of the year was to discuss the next school year's student needs. Barrows was pleased to report that the Encore Celebration that was a huge success. Families had very positive feedback and they hope the event continues next school year. Middle School/High School Principal Justin Johnson reported to the Board that the May Staff meeting will cover topics including the exam schedule and end-of-the-year checkout procedures. Johnson reported that the state testing is complete for grades 6-12. He also reported that this year's graduation will be held on Sunday May 28 2 p.m. in the main gymnasium. Johnson also submitted his letter of resignation effective at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, which the board accepted. Second-grade teacher Raegan McElhose also submitted their letter of resignation effective at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. On another matter, the board approved a contract with the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center for $138,654.50 for the 2023-2024 school year. The cost broken down is Special needs - $73,149.32; Typical preschool - $61,359.72; Health services $4,145.46. The board also approved hosting the OHSAA softball and baseball tournaments. The board also approved to non-renew all spring sports coaches and the end of the spring season. Dave Losey was hired for varsity boys basketball for the 2023-2024 school year; along with Cindy Walerius for varsity girls basketball. The board also approved the following coaching/athletic supplemental contracts for the 2023-24 school year: Jamie Lininger, high school athletic director; Steve Bouillon, junior high athletic director; Kari King varsity cheerleading; Lauren Hutton, assistant girls basketball; Cindy Hoepf, varsity volleyball; Genna Elchert, junior high cheerleading; Lynsey Tilse, E-Sports; Haley Hoepf freshman volleyball; Ethan Reinhart, high school cross country; Casey Losey, junior high cross country; Scott Hall varsity golf; Ethan Smalley, clay target league coordinator; Mark Theis, seventh- and eighth-grade girls basketball; Megan Loar, color guard; Kristen Tiell, boys and girls basketball announcer; Jason Lininger, girls basketball timer. The board approved the list of seniors eligible for graduation on May 28. The board approved a 24-month contract with IGS Energy to continue as our energy supplier for our American Electric Power contract.