At the February 8, 2016 meeting of the Bethel Board of Education (BOE), Superintendent Virginia Potter announced the induction of several graduates into the Bethel Athletic Association Hall of Fame. These include Dennis Lawson, Jason Wells and the Cross-County State Teams for 1978 and 1979.

She added, “We love our PTO. They have conducted several fund raising activities that will allow us to purchase additional playground equipment.”

Potter announced that several members of the High School Choir participated in the All-state Concert Choir in Cincinnati, and students from the elementary school participated in the Children’s Choir in Cincinnati.

Potter also said she was pleased to be working with New Path, Inc., a 501-3C organization in Tipp City. She said, “New Path provides weekend backpacks for our students in need.”

Potter stated that several positions have already been posted for next year. These include a Middle School Math and Language Arts, Middle School Science and a High School Computer Science/Technology Education Instructor.

For the building and construction project, Potter announced that one set of bleachers in the high school gym were moved to allow for the construction of a doorway into the athletic hallway into the new building.

In addition, the elementary parking lot will be closed over spring break to complete the first phase of construction on the parking lot entry that will circle the new building.

In other action, the board approved the advertisement of bids for a technology package for the phone and security systems, and a bid for the lease of 80 acres of farmland owned by the district.

Potter also reported that the contractors are using technology to scan the roof to determine the priority and needs for the roof repairs. The technology will determine which sections can be restored and identify sections that must be replaced. She recommended that some portions of the ceiling of the high school gym be repaired and the floor refinished. She added, “These repairs will come from the athletic budget rather than the general budget.”

Furthermore, she reported that the sound system would be installed in the high school gym after spring break.

For the new building construction, Owner’s Representative Joe Hackleroad reported that construction has slowed because of weather; however, there have been no significant hold ups in the project and it is considerably ahead of schedule. He said, “The architects are doing a really good job. I am very impressed personally and professionally with their work. They are good about getting things turned around within a day or two.”

In special reports, Middle High School Principal Alexis Dedrick recognized several of her instructors who have been doing excellent work. She said, “Mr. Endres conducted a lesson on medical history and Mrs. Mosley is working with the Science Club to participate in the Energy Summit and in the local science fair.” She added, “Fourteen students in the 7th and 8th grades went to the district Power of the Pen Competition. I expect one student to advance to the regional competition.”

The Bethel Board of Education approved the payment of $2,904 for the Ohio School Board Association (OSBA) membership dues for Calendar Year 2016.

In employment actions, the BOE approved the employment of Brenda Tauscher as a Classified Substitute for the 2015-2016 School Year, approved the following individuals for Spring 2016 coaching positions including Heather Reittinger- 7th/8th Grade Girls Track Coach, Sam Butler – 7th/8th Grade Boys Track Coach, Darren Hemsworth, - JV Baseball Head Coach, Corey Steinke, - Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach, and Jeff Elam - Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach.

The BOE also approved substitute teachers who have been approved by the Miami County Educational Service Center and are on file in the Central Office. These are all on an as needed basis for the 2015-2016 school year.

In other personnel business, the BOE approved a medical leave of absence for certified employee Julie Gillespie, effective January 22, 2016 through the end of the school year.

In other business, the BOE approved Bethel Local Schools to host Camp Laffalot for Bethel students in grades 1-6. The camp will run from June 6, 2016 through June 10, 2016. The camp provides activities in which the children play high-energy sports and games that help develop teamwork, learn sportsmanship, build whole body coordination, develop friendly competition, and improver interpersonal skills.

The Bethel Board of Education approved the continuation of Inter-District Open Enrollment for the 2016-2017 School Year.

The Bethel Board of Education approved the College Credit Plus Agreement with Sinclair Community College for the 2016-2017 School Year. Additional colleges will be added as the agreements are finalized.

The next meeting of the Bethel BOE is scheduled for March 14, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Elementary School Auditorium.