Bellefontaine Intermediate Culture Club members speak to the board of education Monday night. (BCS PHOTO)
Bellefontaine Intermediate School and its students took the spotlight at the Monday evening, April 15, board of education meeting, along with the district’s Classified Employee of the Year.
A large crowd attended and enjoyed a student-led presentation at the BIS library. BIS Principal Krista Adelsberger and BIS Gifted Intervention Specialist Lindy Martin served as the emcees for a special presentation.
Students Matthew Torsell, Joelle Eaton, Mia Regula, Griffin Burkhardt and Desmond Howard explained the Chieftain Culture Club, a group of fourth- and fifth-grade students who work with Principal Adelsberger to improve the climate of the school.
Students Eva Irick, Devyn Hogan, Karly Holtkamp, and Cardyn Rawlins were also part of the presentation.
The club works in committees to divide and conquer the needs that the members see throughout the building.
BIS students also provide morning announcements on video each day.
Finally, students around the building enjoy service learning each Monday. This activity promotes life skills for students.
The board then honored Bellefontaine Elementary School Nurse Melissa Miller as the Classified Employee of the Year.
Miller has been taking care of BES students and staff for the last 11 years. She was praised for her commitment and selfless service by Principal Jenny Salyer and others.
In personnel matters, the board extended a three-year contract to Lauren Houseman as the new high school associate principal, effective Aug. 1, through July 31, 2027.
She has spent the last 16 years at Springfield City Schools and has served as an instructional coach and English teacher.
Members heard two other presentations as well.
Bellefontaine High School Quiz Bowl Coach Cliff Core detailed the team’s trip to the national competition in Chicago from April 26-28, which was approved by the board.
The team qualified for the national meet last month.
Team members Oliver Moreland, Jeffrey Smith, Nolan Core, Emma Crabtree and Elliett Lang will compete at the national meet, which will feature 84 schools.
Core led the board members through a quick competition with a few sample questions during the meeting.
The BHS Academic Boosters along with donations from community members will pay for the trip to Chicago.
BHS Vocal Music Teacher Brice Henry then addressed the board about a proposed trip to New York City from May 21-25, 2025. The BHS Symphonic Choir members will perform in New York.
Upcoming fundraisers will help offset the cost for each student.
In other action, the board:
• accepted the following resignations: Shelby Kromer, Family & Consumer Science teacher; Amber Newkirk, Candace Wagner, intervention specialists, all effective May 28; and Matt Heaston, technology coordinator, effective July 31;
• approved the following new hires: Angela Lowe, Elaine Keller, intervention specialists; Trevor Woods, media production;
• approved the following staff to teach summer school: Megan Cira (administrator); Sandi Chervenak; Carol Fultz; D.J. Howell; Tyler Johnson; Angela Lowe; Stacy Penhorwood; Hailee Price; Joliece Reed; Jon Reminder; and Tamara Schneider (paraprofessional);
• hired Stephen Funderburgh for summer maintenance;
• approved Anastasia Hiatt as an athletic worker;
• approved Ric Prine as a volunteer softball coach;
• approved the respective student handbooks for the elementary school, middle school, and high school;
• approved the middle school athletic code and high school athletic code;
• recognized April Seniors of the Month Kadence Jones and Caleb Torsell; they each received an achievement pin and a $15 gift card to Ron’s Pizza.
The board also entered into executive session to discuss a personnel issue. No action was taken.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. May 13 in the Bellefontaine Elementary School Library.