The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

VWCS bd. hears school presentations

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

The Van Wert City Board of Education got another “good news, bad news” financial report from Treasurer Mike Ruen, while Superintendent Ken Amstutz noted that there could be some delays in completing the Jefferson Early Childhood Center project.

A Van Wert Elementary School student reads an essay on why she likes her new school building. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

Ruen noted that, while the district is receiving more in tax revenues, the district’s five-year forecast still predicts a $15 million shortfall for Fiscal Year 2017. That figure falls to $7 million if district voters approve a tax levy up for renewal during that time, but the treasurer added that Van Wert City Schools, like most districts around the state, has been hurt financially by the phase-out of tangible personal property taxes and the homestead deduction.

Amstutz said budget figures for the Early Childhood Center renovation project at Jefferson Elementary School is looking good, with plenty of contingency money built into the project to pay for expected change orders for that project. Work has slowed, though, on the project and the superintendent raised the possibility that the project could be delayed a bit.

“The budget is looking good, but we may not meet the December 17 completion date,” Amstutz said.

The board approved six change orders for both the elementary school and Jefferson school projects later in the meeting.

Meanwhile, students and teachers from the new Van Wert Elementary School attended the meeting to talk about what they love about their new school building. Teachers

“I’m still in awe,” said Principal Beth Runnion. “This is an amazing building, and it has helped us change the way we do business as educators.”

Runnion also complimented staff members for getting things ready for school in just five days. “In five short days, it turned into a learning facility,” the principal said.

The teachers presented a brief slide show on what they like about the new building, while four elementary students read essays they wrote about the school.

Also Wednesday, the board accepted the resignation of Luck Swartz as high school boys’ assistant soccer coach and approved Matt Hernandez as the full-time soccer assistant, effective this year. Jerry Ramsay was also approved as a volunteer wrestling coach.

Lori Bittner was granted additional contact days related to summer work she did in 2012 and will do this coming summer.

A contract was also approved with local mental health counselor Susan Burchfield to teach Advanced Placement (AP) psychology and psychology/sociology course, effective this past October and running for the remainder of the current school year.

A contract between the city schools and Family Resource Center was also approved, effective November 12, while a contract was also authorized with the Council on Rural Service Programs Inc. for Head Start and other educational programs during the current school year.

The board also approved the amended official certificate of estimated resources for the district and amended appropriations for FY 2013.

POSTED: 11/29/12 at 7:54 am. FILED UNDER: News