Crestview Board meets

Cindy Wood/VW independent

Ray Etzler is to Crestview what peanut butter is to jelly. Naturally, they just go together. The Board of Education recognized that at its regular meeting Monday evening, and approved the local effort established by Crestview alumni to recognize Etzler at an upcoming basketball game.

While the final details have not been ironed out, the group of alumni would like to see the gymnasium named in Etzler’s honor. Etzler served as head basketball coach at Crestview for 28 years. During Etzler’s tenure, Crestview teams boasted a record of 445 wins and 171 losses, including nine league, 16 sectional, five district and one regional title, as well as a trip to the state tournament in 1971.

Etzler was named Coach of the Year three times in District 8, as well as two selections as UPI coach of the Year. In 1994, Etzler received the OHSBCA Paul Walker Award for his commitment to the game of basketball and the OHSBCA, as well as his exemplary conduct and integrity. While at Crestview, Etzler was a teacher, guidance counselor, elementary principal and athletic director. He also served as head baseball coach and coached his team to six sectional and two district titles. He also served as assistant football coach, girls track coach and cross country coach. Etzler was also active in his church and served as a Sunday School teacher for 25 years, church youth director and a member of his church building committee.

Also during Monday’s meeting, the board recognized National Merit Scholarship Commended Student Matt Holden, and accepted a donation for school fees assistance.

The board was informed of projects at the elementary level, including a Readathon fundraising project. Third-grade students have completed the Ohio Achievement Tests in reading, and the districtwide safe schools drill was held recently. First interim reports for elementary students will be sent home with students Oct. 21, and students in grades 3 and 5 will be participating in the Otis Lennon Achievement Testing on Nov. 7.

The first musical performance, featuring the 5th- and 6th-grade students, as well as the swing choir, will be held Nov. 15. At the middle-school level, teams are working on a game plan for student-led parent teacher conferences.

Board members learned Crestview High School received the American Red Cross Lifesaver Award for its willingness to conduct a second blood drive and replace a school that had dropped out of the drive. Three Crestview juniors have been selected into the Vantage Career Center’s junior builder program, where students learn from contractors doing construction work at Vantage, and actually perform work with them.

During the superintendent’s report, Supt. Mike Estes reported about the activities taking place regarding Crestview’s renewal levy and also stated the handrails installed on the home football stands had been well received in the community. Estes reported the Union Township TIF agreements are not yet completed, and are awaiting approval upon completion. Interior door bids were received, and Estes reported that it will be less expensive to purchase new doors instead of refinishing old doors. The low bid for replacing doors was $87,610.

Estes also reported that enrollment was down slightly at Crestview with a total of 891 students. Open enrollment is still on the positive side and there are 114 students currently open-enrolled at Crestview, with 90 leaving the district.

In the transportation report, Estes reported that the district should not need to purchase buses for the next two to three years. Estes also reported his concerns regarding House Bill 136, which creates a parental choice and taxpayer savings scholarship via a voucher. “Right now, vouchers go to students in low performing districts,” Estes said after the meeting. “This bill would extend it to all schools, and let’s say a student is enrolled in private school and tuition isn’t as much as the voucher, the parent would be able to take the savings from the voucher and apply it toward the student’s education,” Estes added. “I can see that creating an environment that encourages students to leave the public schools and enroll in private schools.” Estes concluded by stating that the board would have a resolution in opposition to the bill at its next board meeting.

The next board meeting will be held Nov. 7 in the board room.