Student expelled for shotgun incident

Van Wert independent/Vantage information

Vantage Board of Education members approved the expulsion of a student who brought a shotgun to the school’s campus and also heard a brief update on the school renovation/expansion project during its December meeting. The meeting was held prior to the board’s annual holiday dinner.

The Vantage board approved the expulsion of Colton Bidlack, who had brought a shotgun to school in his vehicle on September 22. Bidlack, who was 16 at the time, was also charged by the Van Wert Police Department with one count of illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon into a school zone as a result of the incident. The expulsion was approved after an executive session held to discuss the matter.

Superintendent Staci Kaufman gave a brief OSFC construction update and a discussion was held regarding increasing the energy efficiency of the building by replacing insulation and re-siding existing areas. The dry-in date for the project has been pushed back to December 21, due to inclement weather.  During the meeting, Carpentry instructor Jerry Robinson provided the board with a demonstration of the CNC Router and a revision to the district TB testing policy was discussed.

Kaufman also presented outgoing board members Bob Herber, Les Hockenberry, Kevin Landin, Brian Laudick, Ken Mengerink and Dana Smith with certificates and appreciation for their years of service to the board. There were no other administrative reports.

In new business, the board:

• Approved supplemental contracts for Jo Mohr, fruit sale coordinator; and Gail Gillett and Diane Mercer, adult banquet workers.
• Employed Patrick Jackson in the area of technology support on an as-needed, as-scheduled basis.
• Accepted the resignation of LaDonna Etzler-Allenbaugh, Adult Education Health Careers instructor, for the purpose of retirement.
• Appointed current Board President Lonnie Nedderman as president pro tem for the January 2012 organizational meeting.
• Accepted the donation of shafts and assorted farm pieces valued at $250 from Liechty Farm Equipment for the career technical education programs.
• Resolution to set the building alarm response rate at $70 per call for the maintenance and warehouse staff.
• Approve submission of equipment list to the Rothacker/Lampe bequest handled by The Van Wert County Foundation.
• Resolution expressing an intent to award construction contracts and authorizing the president and the Treasurer to enter into said contracts for several facilities project bid packages upon compliance with all conditions relevant to the project.
• Authorized Gilbane and Garmann Miller to prepare a bid package and pursue bids for re-siding and up grading of insulation for existing building. Gilbane and Garmann Miller will also prepare drawings/specs and a detailed bid package estimate to be presented at the December 21 CORE meeting;
• Authorized floor sealant process for existing concrete in Phase 2 if excessive moisture content is determined, at a rate of $5 or less per square foot for areas to be covered by carpet or vinyl, and to authorize work to begin in the week of December 12 to meet schedule deadlines; and authorize the bid process for future sealant application to additional concrete areas if found to have high moisture content.

The tax budget hearing, organizational meeting and regular January Vantage Board of Education meeting will be held Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 7 p.m. in the Cup & Saucer Restaurant at Vantage.