BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — At Bucyrus’s April Board of Education meeting, district leaders highlighted ongoing efforts to expand real‑world learning opportunities for students across all grade levels.

The district has expanded its career‑connected learning efforts through partnerships with more than 20 local businesses, aiming to strengthen the link between classroom instruction and the regional workforce.

Superintendent Britton said the district recently hosted career days for third through fifth graders and a vocational “game show” for kindergarten and first‑grade students sponsored by Marion Technical College. Elementary and middle school administrators also conducted site visits to STEM schools as they prepare for upcoming professional development.

Britton said sixth graders participated in a “take the child to work day,” visiting FC Bank, Center Street Meats, and Crossroads Candles to observe a variety of professional roles.

At the high school, a partnership with Forge Fire & Co. is giving advanced manufacturing students hands‑on technical experience. Students are developing challenge tokens, coasters, and scale models that mimic the company’s industrial containers for use in sales presentations.

Other initiatives include a “reverse career fair” sponsored by North Central State College and Goodwill, and a freshman project at Ohio State Marion involving the Peanut Butter and Jelly Truck, which distributes food to children facing food insecurity, and the Lumpy Loads of Laundry truck, which provides laundry supplies during the summer. Britton also credited a county mentoring program for fostering “successful” and “transformative” conversations for participating students.

Athletic Director Matt Makeever reported that Bucyrus has 18 more athletes this year than last, and the boys’ basketball program had enough players to field a freshman team. A new $25,000 basketball scoreboard has been purchased and is in production, with installation planned for the 2026–2027 school year.

Both the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams qualified for regionals, and a new league was formed for boys’ and girls’ tennis. Makeever also recognized several standout athletes:

  • Karter Boggs, All‑Ohio in cross country, with an eighth‑place finish at the state meet.
  • Hayden Butcher, All‑Ohio honorable mention as a linebacker and a state wrestling qualifier, before a facial injury forced a medical forfeit.
  • Camden Redmon, the district’s first‑ever freshman state qualifier, finished 47–5.

The board discussed the possibility of installing turf on the softball and baseball fields, though further consideration was tabled until the May meeting.

Board members approved Nate Smith as the new head boys’ basketball coach. 

They also approved the graduation list for the Class of 2026 and recognized early graduate Lacie Marie Harringer. Graduation is scheduled for May 17 at 2 p.m.

In other business, the board approved an agreement with Capitol Aluminum to replace outdated windows and doors at a cost of $583,000. The project, last completed in the mid‑2000s, will be completed in phases.

Limited supplemental contracts approved were: Jon Butchko, head varsity football coach; Kris Knodwell, head varsity girls tennis coach (fall); Nick Kohler, assistant varsity baseball coach; Kim Boyd, head varsity cheerleading coach; Amber Christy, head varsity volleyball coach; and Aaron Weisenauer, head varsity golf coach.

The next board meeting is scheduled for May 18 at 5:30 p.m.