Bellefontaine Board of Education members were briefed at their Monday evening meeting about a large renovation project that will take shape at Bellefontaine High School this summer.
Energy Optimizers, USA from Dayton will perform the $3.7 million project. Senior Sales Executive Kerstin Wilson gave a detailed overview of the many upgrades.
ESSER III funds from the federal government will pay for the project, which will lead to energy and maintenance savings for years to come.
The renovations will also provide a cleaner indoor environment, a healthy learning environment, extend the life of the building, and avoid future capital costs, officials noted.
The specific components of the project include: replace an outdated chiller, add cooling to the high school gym, replace aging piping, remodel restrooms, replace two sections of the roof (library and center classrooms), new doors and windows, flooring, and building controls.
“This project is all about improving the learning environment for students. It’s a real blessing for the school,” BCS Director of Administrative Services Roger Ely said.
The original portion of the high school was built in 1968.
Last month, the board was updated on new chiller system that will cool the original 35 classrooms at BHS. ESSER II funds will pay for that project.
In other highlights, the board heard a detailed presentation on how positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) are making a difference in the district.
Administrators from each building explained the progress made in the last few years.
BMS launched the initiative nearly five years ago. Assistant Principal Gavin Yoder said behavioral referrals have significantly dropped.
The goal of the program is to establish the same expectations for kindergartners through seniors, with core values: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be a Learner, and Be a Chieftain.
Administrators said it’s critical for each student to feel a part of the school district. The ultimate goal is for the intervention to impact the community as well.
Longtime educator Sandy Chervenak detailed a proposed trip for the Bellefontaine Middle School Robotics Team to attend the U.S. Open Robotics Championships in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Last month, the BMS Robotics Team finished runner-up to qualify for the national meet. It’s the first time BMS has advanced to this level.
Team members include Cody Hudson, Hayden Maus, Mason Swisher, and Lorenz Henry. Jordan Reser is the assistant coach.
The trip is scheduled for March 30 through April 3, pending board approval.
In personnel, the board approved the resignation of seventh-grade English Language Arts teacher Cathy Ulmer. She will retire May 20 following 21 years of service to the district.
Bus driver Michelle Whetsel also submitted her resignation, effective Jan. 28.
Madison Rader and Polly Rodenhausen were approved as substitute teachers.
Several spring coaching contracts were approved. Katie Buffkin (varsity softball), Jason Calton (varsity boys tennis), and Ben Davis (varsity boys/girls track) will continue in their respective roles.
The board approved a new preschool program for next school year, which will be located at Bellefontaine Elementary School.
Members recognized January Seniors of the Month Lincoln Howell and Makayla Young.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. March 21 in the BHS Distance Learning Center.