At the March 13, 2017 meeting of the Bethel Board of Education (BOE), Owner’s Representative Joe Hackleroad reported that the mild weather this winter has helped considerably on the building construction project. He said that the crew is finishing the caulking and pouring concrete. In addition, the air handlers are up and running and they are in the process of being tested. Ninety percent of the flooring is complete and the cabinets and casework are finished. He also reported that 75% of the doors and hardware are finished and the kitchen is almost finished.
He added that the crew is getting ready to pour sidewalks and to complete the exterior work. He noted to the BOE that the goal of having temporary occupancy by April 10, 2017 is on schedule.
He also reported that the bus barn is complete except for the replacement of an overhead door in the existing building. He expects the final walkthrough for the bus barn to be completed on March 17, 2017.
Hackleroad does not have a final date for full occupancy; however, he reassured the BOE that the project is ahead of schedule.
He also cautioned the BOE that there is still a great deal of work to be done to the outside of the building and grounds to be completed during the summer including finishing the sidewalks and parking lots.
Superintendent Virginia Potter reported that the district received a grant from the Tipp Foundation for $2,582 for the Art Department.
In academic news, Potter reported that the staff is reviewing the Social Studies curriculum and that state testing is scheduled for all grade levels during March through May 2017.
She also announced that Open Enrollment Applications will be collected between April 3, 2017 and April 21, 2017. Potter noted that depending on the district enrollment, each grade level would be evaluated for acceptance of open enrollment students. She said, “We hope that we don’t have to turn away students who have been attending Bethel for several years.”
She also said that Kindergarten enrollment is schedule for April 11 and April 12, 2017
Middle School Principal Alexis Dedrick announced that four middle school students went to the state for the Science Fair Competition. She also said that 73 of the 99 students in 8th grade have signed up to go to Washington DC for the 8th Grade Field Trip. She said, “Several of the students will be selected to participate in laying the wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier during the trip. The students have worked hard on their research projects and have competed for this honor.” The final selection for the honor will be made by the 8th grade students and their advisors.
Dedrick also announced that the 8th grade DC trip next year is scheduled for October rather than March to minimize conflicts with state testing that is scheduled in the spring of each year.
Potter announced that the Week of Service is scheduled for May 15 – 19, 2017. The high school students are making plans to support the Junior High School Students in their involvement in the Week of Service. This year the school will sponsor speaker Javier Sanchez on Monday, May 15.2017. Sanchez inspires young adults to develop a vision and a sense of purpose in their lives. The rest of the week emphasized work with nonprofit organization and service projects.
Potter also announced that the district is looking for several teaching and classified positions for next year. She noted that the positions are posted on the school website and the Dayton Area School Employment Consortium
Treasurer Randy Bryant reminded the district residents that the district has two levies on the May 2, 2017 ballot. He said, “These are renewals. No new taxes; however, they are critical to our continued operation as a school district.”
The next meeting of the Bethel BOE is scheduled for April 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Media Center.
