VWCS board hears technology report

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert City Board of Education members heard an annual district technology report from Technology Director John Butler that included a new tool for the high school’s New Tech High School program during its July meeting Wednesday evening.

Butler touted the advantages of a Lenovo netbook computer students in the New Tech program would be using this year. Board members also used the computers to access board information during the meeting as part of the district’s “paperless” initiative.

Butler said the small laptop computers were rugged and had a spill-proof keyboard — perfect for withstanding rough handling from students.

During his report, Butler also provided an update on technology work at the new grades 1-5 elementary school, noting that technology wiring is underway and that printers have been installed in the building. The technology director also talked about a new mobile “app” recently developed by students for Android and Apple smart phones that provides news and information on Van Wert High School.

Superintendent Ken Amstutz also provided a construction report on the new elementary school and the Jefferson building renovation projects.

Amstutz noted that installation of terrazzo flooring has now been completed, adding that wooden gymnasium flooring would start within the next two weeks. The superintendent said the elementary school project is on schedule for completion by August 14, and added that playground equipment would be installed on August 10 and furnishings moved into the building on August 16, if all goes according to plan. An open house for the public is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, September 9, from 2-4 p.m., Amstutz reported.

The board also approved several change orders for the elementary project, as well as a change order for the Jefferson building and a resolution awarding the playground equipment contract and projects contract for the new building.

On the Jefferson building, Amstutz said demolition has been completed and exterior walls are being constructed by local contractor Alexander & Bebout. Interior walls would follow.

The superintendent also had good news related to the district’s State Report Card ranking, noting that the district met 23 of 26 indicators and, with its value-added score — which determines students’ academic growth in a school year — would again be ranked as “excellent” this year.

“The positive side is, in education, if you are doing value added, that is exactly what you should be doing,” Amstutz said. “That’s one of our strengths and what we do well.”

The superintendent also said high school staff members were involved in New Tech training sessions last week, which he said went well, and added that some modifications to the high school building needed for the New Tech program are also being done.

Bonnie Thatcher, president of the Van Wert Federation of Teachers, was also at the meeting to report on a High Schools That Work gold award earned by VWHS. Thatcher became emotional when she talked about receiving the award in front of thousands of educators, while Amstutz noted that the local high school was one of only 12 schools in the nation to earn a gold award.

In personnel action, the board hired Travis Guggenbiller as a middle school science teacher, Ben Laudick as an elementary school computer lab teacher, Ty Wannemacher as a primary Multiple Handicap teacher and Judi Smith as an Early Childhood Center itinerant preschool teacher.

A one-year leave of absence was also granted to high school English teacher Michelle Stoller, while Ryan Helle was given a supplemental contract as a freshman football coach.

The board also accepted a donation of $8,000 from the Gaylord E. Leslie Music Trust Fund and approved an agreement with the Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative.