By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Superintendent Kevin Kimmel will remain at the helm of Bucyrus City Schools through 2020. The district’s Board of Education approved a five-year contract extension for Kimmel at its July meeting Thursday night.
The unanimously approved extension will begin Aug. 1, 2015 and run through July 31, 2020.
Kimmel explained that with the contract extension it will not alter the school’s vision.
“We still want to do everything to do to provide as many educational opportunities for all of our kids, so the vision hasn’t changed.” Kimmel said. “I am very blessed to have a strong administrative team that works with us, and a very supportive board of education.”
“Along with the teachers and support staff we have, it really makes my job easier.”
Treasurer Ryan Cook noted to help with deficit spending through the year, he is looking at attrition.
“If someone is retiring or leaving the district we take a look to see if that position irreplaceable.” Cook said “Going into this year we have three less teachers from last year.”
The board discussed the elementary and preschool hand books. During the discussion Elementary Principal Todd Roll explained the major change in the elementary handbook dealt with immunizations.
“Beginning in 2014-2015 school year all students must have proof or required forms of exemption prior to the school year for mumps and measles.” Roll said. “In the past we used to allow students until Nov. 1.”
“If a confirmed case of mumps or measles any child exempted from immunization will be removed for the incubation period which is 21 days.”
The Bucyrus B.O.E. approved all recommendations for certified staff including the resignations of Robin Bridinger (secondary chemistry), Dennis Durham (secondary phys. ed.), Emily Haas (elementary intervention specialist), Megan Pfleiderer (second grade teacher), Amanda Schank (middle school intervention specialist), and Tara Sheibert, (elementary multiple disabilities teacher).
The Bucyrus school board approved all classified staff recommendations including the retirements of Lois Heid (elementary secretary), Mona Hill, and Guy Petty (elementary custodian), and the hiring of Jamie Lyons (secretary), and Janet Rowland (data entry secretary).
The Bucyrus Board of Education will meet in special session at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 in the secondary school library.