Personnal matters handled, updates given at meeting

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The 2025-2026 school year is in the books and now, the Vantage Career Center Board of Education and administrators are preparing for the upcoming school year.

During Thursday night’s monthly meeting, the board approved a number of agenda items tied to the 2026-2027 school year, which will begin in August. Many of the items were on the adult education side, including the staff handbook, adult education catalog and student handbook, adult ed program cost sheets, pay rates, and the job description for the CDL instructor position.

Board members approved the price list for the Avantage Salon & Spa, the preschool parent handbook, fees and policy manual, plus a service agreement with Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative. The board also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office.

A number of items were tied to the new Vantage Academy of Medical Careers, which is slated to open in August. The board agreed to an agreement to purchase $225,371 worth of furniture from KI, along with a quote from Martin Public Seating for $12,450 for furniture installation. A list of $145,451 worth of permanent improvement equipment was also approved. Superintendent Rick Turner provided an update on renovations and said work is progressing quickly.

“Roof finishing work continues, and teams are preparing to install the exterior siding,” he said. “Additional exterior site work is scheduled to begin within the next couple of weeks. Inside, framing is nearly complete and drywall installation has begun. There are currently up to 40 workers onsite at any one time, with Saturday shifts being added to maintain momentum.”

He added the projected occupancy date remains August and said he’s arranged for the board to tour the building immediately prior to the next meeting.

Turner informed the board that two staff members and 10 students are having a successful trip in Germany, and he said the school has a group in Atlanta for the SkillsUSA national competition.

In personnel matters, the board approved a lengthy list of stipends for various staff members. A pair of resignations were accepted – Special Education Coordinator Samantha Heckler, effective August 14, and adult education assessment proctor Ruth Brickner, effective May 27.

The next meeting of the Vantage Career Center Board of Education will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25. The meeting will serve as the July meeting but will be held a week early to close out the current fiscal year. All meetings are held in the district conference room. Prior to the meeting, the board will gather at 5:45 to view renovation progress at the Vantage Academy of Medical Careers building.