At the January 9, 2017 meeting of the Bethel Board of Education (BOE), Treasurer Randy Bryant requested that the BOE approve two resolutions to place two tax levies on the May ballot. The first levy approved is a renewal levy for current operating expenses. According to Bryant, the 7.0 mill five year operating levy generates approximately $1 million per year to cover operating expenses. The second levy approved by the board is a two-mill five-year levy for permanent improvements, which generates approximately $200,000 per year to cover facilities improvements.

In addition, the Board conducted their annual organizational meeting. In the meeting, the BOE elected Scott Hawthorn, President and Brian Moore Vice President. In addition, they set the date and time for the monthly board meetings for the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise publicized.

In addition, Superintendent Virginia Potter recognized the board members for their years of service to the school and the community. She said, “It has been a real privilege to work with the Board members. Although we may not always agree, I appreciate the exchange of ideas.” She recognized Board Members Joe Solch for 12 years, Scott Hawthorn for eight years, Brian Moore for three years, and Lori Sebastion and Todd Wright for one year of service.

The BOE also approved the following board members to service on the standing committees Hawthorn, OSBA Legislature Liaison; Wright, Athletic Council; Solch, Curriculum and Instruction; Moore, Technology; and Sebastian, CTC and Grant Writing

In their regular meeting, Joe Hackleroad reported on the new school construction project. After giving a tour to the board members of the new facility prior to the meeting, he reported that the construction crew is working on the flooring, tile and grouting and installing the kitchen components. He also reported that permanent power has been installed and the crews are testing the system to ensure that everything is working properly. The plumbing fixtures are in route and installation will begin as soon as they arrive.

He also stated that the addition to the bus barn should be completed and ready to use this week. In addition, he noted that he would meet with an environmental consultant on January 16, 2017 to discuss upgrades to the old building to upgrade the elementary office and entranceways. The primary concern for any upgrade to the old building is asbestos abatement and how to address any unexpected issues that might arise because of improving an old facility.

For High School Principal Craig Vasil, the BOE approved a resolution to waive graduation requirements for Economics and Computer Technology courses for students graduating in 2017 and 2018 and to replace these courses with comparable course credits. They also approved the 2017-2018 Course of Study as proposed by Vasil.

Finally, the BOE approved a contract with Reliable Electrical Mechanical Services for $112,849 to provide a back-up boiler replacement for the school.

The next meeting of the Bethel BOE is scheduled for February 13, 2017 at 700 p.m. in the Elementary Auditorium.