When your primary goal is to prepare young people for a successful future, hearing about their accomplishments directly can be a highlight. Such was the case for the Ohio Hi-Point Board of Education at their regular monthly meeting Wednesday.
In the midst of a busy night that included the Student Spotlight event, which is OHP’s unique student-led take on parent-teacher conferences, the board started things off by opening the floor to two Education Academy students. Juniors Regan Bunn (Urbana) and Jalon Manns (Kenton) recently participated in Career Awareness activities and presented their experiences as part of Wednesday’s agenda.
This significant aspect of an OHP education sends pupils out to several area schools, where they introduce elementary and middle school students to the various OHP programs. It also gives them an opportunity to practice their skills—from teaching to conducting science experiments to running pizza-making competitions.
“It’s really helped me with public speaking,” Manns said, while Bunn admitted the experience had directed her to the grade she wants to teach.
In addition, according to Brad Richardson, assistant superintendent at OHP, this career awareness assessment is interest- and aptitude-based. By presenting to seventh- and eighth-grade students at participating schools, they can guide them to “better choose what to look into and where their interests lie.”
OHP Superintendent Rick Smith said this also gives them a chance to introduce children to the “career tree.” He added, “It’s a way to reach out to elementary kids and show them all the career pathways available, from entry level to a college degree-level job … and where that can take them.”
Other board action Wednesday night:
- Sarah Folk, exercise science (Benjamin Logan High School), and Olivia (Kaizer) Yelton, graphic media arts (also BLHS), were named the February 2023 Main Campus Students of the Month. Staci McCully, Career Tech financial assistant, was the February 2023 High School Staff Member of the Month;
- Smith recommended having Richardson share quarterly or even monthly district updates with the board, specifically ones focused on the CT programs.
- Regarding employment, Smith admitted he’s “trying to find people to hire.” He told the board they have some openings no one’s applied for. With that in mind, he plans to connect with area businesses in March, showing them where OHP could use their assistance and, hopefully, coming to a better understanding of what these companies need.
- Approved Internship Agreements: Cassano’s Pizza, Urbana; Lewis Property Contracting, Marysville; Lowe’s, Bellefontaine; WenMac Repair Service, LLC, Kenton.
- Approved Out-of-State Professional Development for Kelsey Webb, public relations and marketing coordinator, to attend the National School Public Relations Association National Seminar in St. Louis, Missouri. Webb will be recognized for her work in public relations. The cost — about $2,300 —will be paid by the general fund.
- Approved certified staff employment for Molly Harshbarger, DeGraff, agriculture instructor;
- Accepted a donation of $500 to assist students in financial need of breakfast and/or lunch meals at OHP from the Indian Lake Community Church of Russells Point.
- A CK-12 Chemistry for High School electronic textbook (no cost) for instructor John Krock—will go to a student who will miss eight to 12 weeks of school for medical purposes.
- Employment of Ryan Gilbert, Bellefontaine, adult education instructor, Feb. 23 – June 30.
- Paul McMahill will replace Scott Stolly as legislative liaison representative to the Ohio School Boards Association for a three-year term.
The next regular meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 22.