L’view bus driver honored for fire actions

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Lincolnview Local Board of Education again honored bus driver Marge Knott for her actions in getting students off a school bus after the engine caught fire January 27, while also approving a resolution proclaiming the week of February 18-25 as “FFA Week” during its February meeting on Thursday.

Superintendent Doug Fries presented Knott with a certificate honoring her for her quick thinking in getting students out the rear exit of the bus as fire engulfed the front of the vehicle. The bus was considered a total loss from the fire.

“We wanted to formally recognize her in front of the board,” Fries said. “She did an excellent job of reacting.”

The superintendent also noted that Knott’s actions also were a “prime example of why you train and drill on some of that type of thing. Margie led the students in a very positive direction, and we’re very fortunate everything worked out positively, other than the bus damage.”

During his report, Treasurer Troy Bowersock said damage from the incident was covered under the district’s fleet insurance, adding that because fire is covered under an insurance policy’s comprehensive coverage, the school would not have to pay a deductible on the loss.

The bus, a 2000 model that had approximately 140,000 miles on it, was being used as a substitute for regular route buses, and Bowersock said replacing it should not be a “major issue” for the district.

FFA Advisor Tony Campbell and three FFA members – John Young and Campbell’s two sons, Bryce and Alex – were on hand for the proclamation approval and to invite board members to the FFA Faculty Breakfast on February 23. Delphos radio personality Bob Ulm will be the guest speaker for the breakfast, which will run from 7-8:30 a.m.

Also Thursday, the board approved several “housekeeping” financial matters and issued summer school teaching contracts to Tom Mayes, Suzanne Hall, Valori Dunn and Mandy Looser.

The board also accepted the resignations of Brianna Owens as junior high softball coach and Dwight L. High as a district bus driver, approved an Internet service contract with the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Service Cooperative and issued a supplemental contract to Kinsey Dobbelaere to construct sets for the school play.

Paula Johnson was also given a contract to provide intervention services for the Ohio Graduation Test, while one-year remediation contacts were issued to Ellen Waterman, Patti Cox, Jeri Lippi, Nicole Early, Ellen Hemple, Kathy Thompson, June Young, Glenn Hicks, Matt Alessandrini and Kim Evans.

Volunteer  coaching positions were approved for Kirk Berryman (junior high softball), Calli Coppus (varsity softball assistant) and Al Arnold (high school track coach).

The Lincolnview Local Board of Education will next meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in the district conference room.