Crestview sets several graduation dates

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent writer

CONVOY — It’s not known if, or when, graduation ceremonies will be held because of COVID-19, but during Monday night’s monthly meeting of the Crestview Local Board of Education, board members approved a proposed list of 65 seniors as members of the Crestview High School Class of 2020.

The board also learned of four potential dates for a possible graduation ceremony — May 30, June 20, July 11, and August 1, although Superintendent Kathy Mollenkopf acknowledged May 30 most likely isn’t realistic.

“It’s kind of a play it by ear (scenario) and we’ll see how far we have to go out,” Mollenkopf told the board. “Mr. Bowen will be communicating with the seniors and their parents.”

Two potential prom dates have been scheduled as well — June 6 and June 27.

During her report to the board, Mollenkopf said construction is moving along on the Early Childhood Center.

“Our goal is at the end of May or the first part of June is to have the instructional part of the facility completed so we can have partial occupancy, so that stuff that needs moved over there can actually be placed over there.”

After the meeting, board members took a brief tour of the new facility.

Mollenkopf also told the board that elementary summer school will not be held this year, while middle school summer school classes are a possibility.

“Mr. Kreischer and I are trying to put together a plan that would include 24 hours of additional instruction in either math or science for kids so they could go on to the next grade.”

Crestview teachers and administrators have been hard at work since school buildings were shut down in mid-March, and Mollenkopf praised their efforts.

“The building principals are working 10 to 12 hours a day getting everything done,” Mollenkopf explained. “It’s long days for them and they’re bucking up and getting everything done and teachers as well, because even in a class of 20 kids everybody’s home life is on a different schedule and so the teachers are trying to make themselves available.”

“I hope that parents appreciate teachers more because of them having to become their teacher at home,” board member Nan Grace said. “I’ve heard a lot of appreciation for teachers already and I hope that sticks. I think our teachers have been doing a phenomenal job.”

Earlier in the meeting, Grace wondered if job losses connected to the COVID-19 pandemic would affect revenue that comes from Crestview’s school income tax. Mollenkopf and District Treasurer Ashley Whetsel said any changes likely won’t be noticeable immediately, but only time will tell.

New three-year contracts were approved for Crestview Elementary Principal Jessica Schuette and Curriculum/Instruction Director Lindsay Breese.

Board members also approved a lengthy list of teaching contracts, including five years for Tim Hurt, Jason Lozer and Anthony Springer; three years for Shawna Putnam, Samantha Recker and Abby Wein and one-year contracts for Mitchell Rickard, Jeff Bagley, Greg Rickard, Jim Wharton, Diane Wilson, Doug Etzler, Lisa Etzler, Shelby Waters, Ami Callow, and Grace Callow.

The board also approved 12 extra paid days for Casey Dowler as she transitions to the role of Early Childhood Center Principal, and 10 additional days for Matt Perkins while he transitions into the role of Athletic Administrator.

The board also accepted the resignation of elementary intervention specialist Nick Leeth, and board members agreed to reschedule the annual eighth grade trip to Washington D.C. to November 16-20.

The next meeting of the Crestview Local Schools Board of Education will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 18.