The Ohio Hi-Point Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s Flexible Learning Plan for the 2020-21 school year during Wednesday evening’s regularly scheduled meeting.
The Flexible Learning Plan will include a blend of face-to-face and independent/remote learning. The goal of the plan is to safely maximize the amount of hands-on learning time students receive in OHP’s career technical labs while engaging in a “flipped” classroom environment for academics.
“The Flexible Learning Plan focuses on that college-like atmosphere,” Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith. “Students will focus on their career ‘major’ and complete their core academics for graduation while on campus. On their independent/remote learning days, our students will continue to learn and be supported as teachers introduce new concepts, lectures, or assignments in preparation for the days when students are on campus.
“We feel this is most proactive and consistent educational option for students from 14 partner schools in five counties.”.
During the meeting, the Board approved the two resignations for the purpose of retirement. Amy McCarthy, school nurse/health and safety coordinator, retires July 31, after 13 years of service to the district, and Debra Wortman, career tech co-director, retires Feb. 1, 2021, after 17 years of service to the district.
“They’ve made a lasting impact at OHP,” Dr. Smith said. “They’ve done so much for the district from caring for the health and safety of our students to establishing our satellite programs with our partner districts. We’re said to see them go, but wish them luck as they start this new chapter in life.”
The board approved Cynthia Frost from Wapakoneta as the new school nurse/health and safety coordinator, effective July 23.
Ohio Hi-Point’s construction project continues to move forward after the board approved the design development phase submission and estimate by Freytag & Associates, Inc. and Thomas & Marker Construction. The estimate for the project is approximately $31.5 million.
The next step is to review and discuss the construction drawings. Ohio Hi-Point plans to start the construction project in October with renovations starting on the high school in January 2021.
The board also conducted an executive session for the purpose of the evaluation of OHP’s Treasurer Eric Adelsberger.
“Eric Adelsberger has been the long-term Treasurer at Ohio Hi Point,” Board President Anne Reames said. “The rating scale for performance is on a 5-point scale. The Board of Education rated him as 4.8 overall. He worked tirelessly this past year to prepare for the sale of bonds for the current building project being planned.
“The State of Ohio Audit report was clean with the exception of one non-operating GAAP reporting issue. He and the staff in the Treasurer’s Department are currently working tirelessly to convert the accounting system over to eFinance Plus. Eric’s contract extends until July 2022. We look forward to continued years of service with Eric.”
In other action, the board:
• heard the legislative report from Legislative Liaison, Paul McMahill (Mechanicsburg);
• approved the June 2020 Financial Statement; interest and investments; and appropriation modifications, transfers, and advances.
• approved the resignation of Jessica Cunningham, Bellefontaine, Facility Specialist, effective July 6, due to personal reasons.
• approved the employment of Joel Capell, Mt. Victory, as a Facility Specialist, effective Aug. 10;
• approved a monthly cell phone stipend for approved staff members;
• approved the fiscal year 21 bus contract with Benjamin Logan Local Schools;
• approved employment of Katilyn Bush, Mechaniscburg, as an Educational Aide, effective Aug. 1;
• rescinded the Blended Learning Model request form and Approved the Remote
Learning Plan as presented;
• approved the revised job description of school nurse;
• approved the employment of Melony Baker, East Liberty, as the Healthcare Certification Coordinator, effective July 23;
• approved a 2.5 percent salary increase for the superintendent; and
• approved tuition reimbursement for approved staff members.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19.