WBESC board hires new treasurer

Van Wert independent/WBESC information

PAULDING – The Western Buckeye Educational Service Center Governing Board hired a new treasurer and also presented two Franklin B. Walter Scholarships for top students in Van Wert and Paulding counties during its March meeting held Wednesday evening.

The board voted to issue Assistant Treasurer Gary Ginter a five-year administrative contract as the WBESC’s new treasurer, replacing Kristine Stuart.

“It has been a privilege to work for the Western Buckeye ESC and hits hardworking staff for the past 12 years, and I look forward to a continued relationship of excellence as we move toward the future together,” Ginter said.

The new WBESC treasurer was first hired as assistant treasurer in December 1999. In that position, Ginter’s chief responsibilities were in the areas of payroll and human resources. Prior to his employment with the WBESC, Ginter was an accountant and payroll manager for several companies, including P&R Home IV Service, Plummer Trucking, Trident Corporation, Payne Cooperative Association and Grover Hill Grain Company.

Ginter and his wife, Nola, reside in Haviland. Nola Ginter is currently the clerk for the Paulding County Board of Commissioners.

The Ginters have three grown children, Bethany, Ben and Brittany, and four grandchildren.

Also during the meeting, the WBESC board honored Alaine Wetli, a senior at Antwerp High School who is the top 2011 Paulding County student, and Ryan Todd, a senior at Van Wert High School who is the top Van Wert County student for 2011.

Wetli is the daughter of Daniel and Patricia Wetli, while Todd is the son of Michael and Lorali Todd.

As part of the regular meeting, Superintendent John Basinger reviewed personnel and service contracts he was recommending for approval and also updated the board on ESC activities and several personnel issues.

The board also continued a discussion on the state budget and other legislative issues.

In other action, the board:

• Accepted the resignation of Michele Porter as an intervention specialist, effective February 22.
• Issued the following administrative contracts: A five-year administrative contract to Christine Feichter as a federal grant coordinator/PEERS administrator, effective the 2011-12 school year; a three-year administrative contract to Laura DeLong as assistant principal/special education coordinator, effective the new school year; a three year administrative contract to Jody Dunham as principal/Early Childhood director, effective the 2011-2012 school year; and a three-year administrative contract to Peg Schilb as a curriculum director, effective the beginning of the 2011-12 school year.
• Approved a Family and Medical Leave Act leave for Paula Lugibihl, effective March 2, for up to 12 weeks (60 days).
• Authorized a contract with Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for physical therapist services.
• Approved a contract with Therapy Solutions for Physical Therapy Services as presented.
• Approved Thursday, April 21, as a make-up day for the Western Buckeye Resource Center. Remaining make-up days will be added to the end of the school year.

The next regular WBESC Governing Board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at the Van Wert ESC office.