Ridgemont Board of Education members took action at their December meeting to hire Interim Superintendent J. Chris Pfister as the district’s new full-time superintendent, effective Jan. 1.
Members approved a superintendent contract for Pfister that continues through July 31, 2024. He began his interim superintendent role at Ridgemont in August and he recently retired as the superintendent of Waynesfield Goshen after 10 years in that position. His background also includes 25 years of experience serving in the role of superintendent.
His new salary at Ridgemont was set at $115,000 per year.
In other personnel matters, the board approved an agreement with the Ridgemont Education Association to provide a $500 bonus to each teacher, to be included in the first pay in January and to be paid through ESSSER funds.
“The Board of Education recognizes the diligent work of teachers on behalf of the district’s students and understands the past several years have been disruptive and difficult,” the Memorandum of Understanding states. “Therefore, the Board of Education is awarding an additional $500 for each teacher in appreciation of all you have done to help our students learn, grow and be successful.”
The board also approved the payment of a bonus for other staff members, including a $500 bonus for all full-time classified staff, a $250 bonus for all part-time classified staff, and a $1,000 bonus for administration (principals, treasurer, and superintendent), also to be included in the first pay in January.
Pfister issued a reminder for the change in the district’s Christmas break, with students returning to classes Wednesday, Jan. 4. Tuesday, Jan. 3, will be a teacher professional development day.
“This school year is going fast. We are happy to give the students and staff a break, they have all worked very hard. When students return Wednesday, January 4, we will be working hard to finish the year strong.
“We would like to take this opportunity to wish the Ridgemont District a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy your break from school and have some time with your loved ones.”
Members also approved a resolution to recognize the Ridgemont FFA Chapter for being named the number one Chapter in Model of Innovation in Strengthening Agriculture, and for all of the following awards at the FFA National Science Fair:
• Jon Cromer and Mason Howard, Runner Up, “A Quantitative Study on the Impact of How Light Reduction Affects the Growth of Microgreens.”
• Kaelyn Saylor, third place, “A Qualitative Study of Women Leaders in Agriculture.”
• Masen Jolliff, third place, “A Quantitative Study of NTTL, John Deere and an Independent Trial.”
• Kaytlin Billenstein, fourth place, “A Quantitative Study on the Impact of Lesson Types with Animal By-Products.”
• Addison Hensel & Taylor Hollinger, fourth place, “A Qualitative of Isopods and Springtails in Bioactive as Clean-Up Crews.”
• Alivia Elliott, sixth place, “A Quantitative Study on the Growth of Single and Multiple Lambs.”
• Prezley Furer and Kamy Kiser, seventh place, “A Quantitative Study on the Impact of Laser Color and Cats Reactions.”
• Mason Swavel and Owen Kearns, seventh place, “A Quantitative Study of Chicken Incubators.”
• Ruth Eckstein, seventh place, “ A Quantitative Study on the Melting Rate of Soy and Dairy Based Ice Cream.”
• Loryn Elsasser, eighth place, “A Quantitative Study of Ohio Teachers Perceptions of Gamification and Barriers to Adoption.”
• Connor Eckstein, eighth place, “A Quantitative Study on the Attenuation of Noise by Plants.”
Congratulations also were extended to National Proficiency Top Four Finalist Lane Underwood, forage finalist.
Ridgemont FFA Chapter was named in the Nation for Model of Innovation in Strengthening Agriculture with the Commodity Christmas project, presented by Weston McKinley & McKala Grauel.
The Top 10 Model of Excellence Premier Chapter, as presented by Loryn Elsasser and Kevin Eckstein.
In addition, the Top 10 Model of Innovation Chapter in Growing Leaders with the Technology to Taste project was presented by Will Browning and Xavier Stuck.
The following members earned their American FFA Degrees: Caleb Clem, Collin Wallace, Austin Elsasser, Makynna Parthemore, Nicole Freshcorn, Jayden Streets and Allison Underwood.
FFA advisers are Stephanie Jolliff and Lori Romie.
In other calendar notes, Thursday, Jan. 12, is the end of the first semester.
There is no school for students Friday, Jan. 13, for Teacher Professional Development, and also no classes Monday, Jan. 16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In other action, the board:
• approved the employment of Melissa A. Hyder on a one year (100-day) teacher contract for the 2022-23 school year, as Intervention Specialist, effective Jan. 3, through May 26;
• approved Luke Taviano as head high school football coach for a supplemental contract for a period of four years, effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027, at the appropriate supplemental salary schedule per years of service;
• approved the salary adjustment for Malana Huffman to master’s, effective Feb. 1;
• approved University of Findlay College Credit Plus agreement for the 2023-2024 school year;
• approved Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as an organization in the Ridgemont Local School District;
• approved an additional $6,150 for purchase of warranty to be included in the new bus purchase; and
• extended congratulations to Ashton Mullins and Weston McKinley for being named to the OPSWA All Ohio Teams, Asheon received Third Team Punter and Weston received Defensive End.
The annual organizational meeting and the regular January board are slated for 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12, in the Math Room.