BCS Classified Employee of the Year awarded
A standing ovation and a few tears accompanied a special graduation ceremony Monday evening during the Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education meeting at the Distance Learning Center.
Korean War veteran Chester Clayton Phelps received an honorary diploma from Bellefontaine High School, presented to him by Board President Brenda Sanford.
“Now I need to get a job,” the 89-year-old Huntsville area resident quipped, as his friends, family and others in the crowd applauded him and thanked him for his service.
Initially, Phelps’ brother was drafted into World War II in 1945, and he had to leave school to help his father run the family farm.
In 1952, Phelps was drafted into the U.S. Army and served the required eight-year enlistment in Korea.
Upon his discharge, he farmed for two years before beginning a career in construction as a heavy equipment operator.
“The world needs a few more Claytons; he is my hero,”said his friend and Marine Corps veteran Doug Putnam said during a reception that followed with cake and punch provided by the board.
Phelps’ son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Phyllis Phelps, were among the attendees as well.
Another milestone recognition was part of Monday’s agenda, with presentation of the 2022 Classified Employee of the Year Award
Kristy Feasel, who serves as a paraprofessional and medical aide at the high school with the multi-handicap classroom, is this year’s honoree. She was nominated by her fellow staff members and was recognized for her dedication and compassion for the students.
“It’s all about the kids — it’s something different every day. That’s why I love my job,” said Feasel, who has worked in the district for 21 years. She was surprised with the award that morning at the school.
BHS Principal Dr. Pam Noeth presented the award to the longtime high school aide, noting her inspiring attitude that uplifts both staff and students alike.
Roger Ely, executive director of administrative services, said the Classified Employee of the Year Award has been presented each year since 2016, honoring the “star employees for their achievements.”
In other action, board members approved the school calendar for next year. The school year will run from Sept. 6 to May 25 in 2022-23.
A bus driver shortage prompted BCS to explore other schedule options, Superintendent Brad Hall said.
Students will have 163 days instead of the traditional 180 days. However, the school day will be lengthened in each building. Benjamin Logan and West Liberty-Salem have adopted similar school calendars.
BCS will host a school bus driver job fair at Bellefontaine Middle School on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and May 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bellefontaine has teamed up with Benjamin Logan, Indian Lake, Riverside, Ridgemont, West Liberty-Salem and Urbana school districts for this event.
Participants are encouraged to test drive a bus at the job fair. Full-time positions are available.
Bellefontaine Schools would like to hire five bus drivers. For more information, call (937) 651-3497.
In personnel, several three-year administrative contracts were approved, each effective Aug. 1.
Kyle Daring is the new middle school principal. She will succeed Lynda Holycross, who is retiring next March. Daring’s salary was set at $93,653.
Denise Johnson and Jenny Salyer were hired as co-principals at the elementary school.
Johnson will be in charge of pre-K and kindergarten. Her salary was set at $83,534.
Salyer will oversee first- and second-grades. Her salary was set at $92,623.
Longtime BES Principal Pat Martz was hired as the director of special education. Her salary was set at $94,185.
In other personnel, Tabatha Walls resigned as school psychologist, effective May 20.
In other action, the board:
• approved the DECA International Conference Trip to Atlanta on April 23-26;
• accepted the retirement resignation of BHS Athletic Department Secretary Roxanne Sprouse, effective Nov. 1;
• accepted the resignation of BHS Custodian Justin Gossard, effective April 7; and
• recognized March Seniors of the Month Connor Skidmore and Milah Hunt.
The next board meeting is 6:30 p.m. May 16 in the Distance Learning Center.