By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
With Jay Zeiter stepping down from the athletics director role at Buckeye Central at the end of the school year, the Buckeye Central Board of Education approved the hiring of his successor Thursday night.
Buckeye Central varsity boys basketball head coach Phil Loy was unanimously approved to a two-year contract as the Buckeye Central athletics director beginning Aug. 1. After the meeting Loy spoke about his new position.
“Since I have been here I have seen four athletic directors and they all have great qualities, and I think I have learned something from them over the past 15 years, and hopefully I can just take what they have given me and move forward with that.”
Loy will be pulling double-duty as he was also approved as the Bucks’ varsity basketball coach. Loy spoke on the challenge of being both a coach and athletic director.
“My whole thing is you surround yourself with good people, and if you surround yourself with good people who can help you on game nights that would be great. After a year we will assess it and if it is best I step down from that responsibility that is what is going to happen, but we will wait and see on that.”
Loy also noted that with the new position he will have to step down as golf coach due to the busyness of the fall athletic season.
Prior to the regularly scheduled board meeting the school board met with Project Manager Seth Herrnstein and Project Designer Aaron Hauler to discuss the auxiliary gymnasium. During their discussions with the duo, the board received the maximum possible cost for the project at $1,758,000. It was also noted that the actual cost would most likely be around $1,740,000.
Other construction discussions were held including the flooring and exterior colors were also discussed.
Financing the auxiliary gym was also a part of the discussion. Treasurer Nancy Ackerman reported that the final amount in bond savings totaled $733,000. However to receive the money the school will need approval from the county. Ackerman also noted that the other funds have already been budgeted for the project.
The auxiliary gymnasium is expected to break ground at the end of the month.
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During her Treasurer’s report to the board, Ackerman spoke about funding from the Rover Pipeline that is currently being constructed through the school district.
“We have heard some preliminary numbers, and I have talked with the auditor as well as other school districts, and the money from the pipeline will affect state funding,” Ackerman said. “It is frustrating that no one has actual values. I know it could benefit, but until I know what the numbers are I can’t put it in the five-year forecast. It is frustrating not getting any answers.”
Ackerman also said that time would tell and she would keep the board updated on any progress.
Board members approved all items on the agenda including the retirements of bus driver Judy Fox, and food service personnel Cheryl Zellner.