The NB Board of Education met to kick off 2016 by holding their Organizational meeting at NB MS/HS on Tuesday evening. Board member Tim Archer was absent.
The meeting was called to order by President Pro-Tem Tami Thomas. The first business of the meeting was to swear in the recently re-elected Board members, Jaimye Bushey and Tami Thomas.
After they received the oath of office, the election of officers was the next item on the agenda. Tami Thomas was the only member nominated for President of the Board, and she was elected to serve in that position by a 4-0 vote.
The election of Board vice-president had to be tabled, after 2 nominations were made and the voting was split. Cheryl Cotterman first nominated Jaimye Bushey. Tami Thomas then nominated Russell Bretz. With one board member being absent the tie was unable to be broken. The election was tabled to a later time this week, when all the members can be present, as it is a requirement to hold the election by the 15th of January, which is Friday.
The oath of office was then given to Mrs. Thomas.
The established board meetings for 2016 are the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 6:00pm, held at NB MS/HS. There are 2 exceptions for meeting dates:March 15-(3rd Tuesday- due to Spring break) and December 20th-(Third Tuesday due to Christmas Break)
In other organizational meeting business, the Board:
* approved authorizations for the Superintendent to accept resignations (that will be effective upon acceptance)
*hire temporary personnel, on behalf of the board, in keeping with Ohio Revised Code
*approved a few board–related expenses (membership fees, legal funds, consulting services)
*approved Dr. Falkenstein as HB308 Safety Coordinator
The organizational meeting was adjourned at 5:54pm, and the Board moved on to their regular January business meeting.
Superintendent Ryan Delaney presented certificates of Appreciation to the members from the Ohio School Boards Association in recognition of Board of Education Appreciation Month.
Mr. Delaney commented that enrollment is up, as more students enrolled during Christmas break. Mrs. Van Mooy and Dr, Falkenstein concurred that new students are continuing to move into the community, and some who already live here , but were either home-schooled or open-enrolled elsewhere are returning to the North Baltimore District.
Mr. Delaney encouraged everyone to continue to notice the new ball field areas, and the improvements being made daily. There is also a lot of storage space being maximized there.
He also mentioned the Sports Boosters are discussing adding a second concession stand area to the Woodruff Building/ sports fields complex.
Mr. Delaney also mentioned he still is receiving a lot of messages from people wanting to sign up for the school’s message alert system,even though approximately 1/3 of the community’s population is already participating.
Delaney also commented that other superintendents and administrators at area schools have spoken about the large crowds that North Baltimore brings with them to sporting events. Apparently this has taken several of the schools by surprise!
In Dr. Falkenstein’s report to the Board, he mentioned:
*Homecoming Spirit days, and Battle of the classes are happening right now. Wednesday is Dudes Volleyball.
*The Homecoming Dance is Saturday from 7-10pm
*The MS/HS is prepared for state tests AND the students will only be taking about 1/4 the amount of time for testing this year *Some restructuring of MS courses is being implemented,as plans for next year’s class scheduling take place. “We’re going to make it happen,” Dr. Bob stated. He thanked Mr. Kipplen for assisting in the project and also Mr. Luderman.
Mrs. VanMooy reported seven new students were welcomed to Powell after the Winter Break.
The building is currently working on displaying a Winter Wonderland, with student-created Snowmen being shared along the hallways.
Friday will be Honor Roll Awards Luncheon, and the elementary is joining in the Spirit Week activities as well. Ninety seven children had perfect attendance during the last quarter.
Board President Tami Thomas shared that she will be attending the upcoming Board Officers training in Findlay in February.
