BES Preschool showcased during BCS Board meeting

Bellefontaine City Schools held its monthly board meeting Monday night in the High School Sloan Distance Learning Center.

Board members learned more about the Bellefontaine Elementary Preschool, which serves 3, 4, and 5 year olds.

The presentation was led by BES Principal Jenny Salyer.

Salyer explained the Step Up To Quality Preschool Gold Award.

Step Up To Quality program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.

Salyer noted that the BES Preschool earned the highest possible rating from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

Enrollment has doubled since the award-winning preschool opened at BES in '22-'23.

Salyer reported that starting at the preschool leads to a smoother transition to kindergarten.

BCS Executive Director of Administrative Services Roger Ely shared positive news regarding energy performance.

Bellefontaine City Schools is in the top five percent of schools measured for their energy efficiency.

Ely praised BCS Maintenance Director Max Earick for making sure each space in the district (out of 500,000 square feet) is on a schedule for heating and cooling.

These efforts have saved the district thousands of dollars each month.

The board heard about a proposed trip to the National SkillsUSA competition in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 24th-28th.

Hayden Maus and Lorenz Henry qualified for the trip after winning the SkillsUSA state competition in robotics & automation last month.

Shawn Miller is the longtime BHS robotics teacher.

The board will consider approving the trip at the May board meeting.

The board approved the school calendars for '25-'26 & '26-'27.

Both calendars are similar to this school year. Classes will start in early September and conclude by Memorial Day.

The board also approved the BHS Band trip to Nashville set for April 1st-4th, 2026.

Band members will perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Studio B.

Students will also visit other music venues in the city.

The trip will cost about $525 per student.

The board approved monthly financial reports.

In personnel, the board accepted the following resignations:

Alex Burton - Intervention Specialist

Kimberly Cayot - Intervention Specialist (retirement)

Jennifer Cyr - 5th Grade English Language Arts

Elaine Keller - Intervention Specialist

Rick Reed - Physical Education

Dana Campbell - Food Service Worker

Heather Evans - Educational Aide

Cameron Francis - 2nd Shift Custodian

The following hires were approved:

Olivia Sharp - Intervention Specialist

Truman Howell - Substitute Teacher

Chyenne Routt - Substitute Teacher

Joseph McCall - 2nd Shift Custodian

Stephen Funderburgh - Summer Maintenance

The following substitute appointments were approved:

Brandy Bowers - Bus Driver

Jessica Coffey - Food Service Worker

Margaret Erickson - Secretary

Joan Gaines - Custodian

Joseph McCall - Custodian

Jennifer Robinson - Van Driver

The following staff members were approved to teach summer school for the 2025 session:

Michaela Baughman

Sandi Chervenak

Kylie Croston-Hrytzik (Administrator)

Tasidee Dillion

Catherine Eastman

Patricia Elson

Tammy Fowler

Carol Fultz

Aaron Garver

Sarah Gossard

Emily Housholder (Paraprofessional)

James Howell

Tyler Johnson

Diann Jordan

Angela Lowe

Chandler Martell (Paraprofessional)

Riley Penhorwood

Stacy Penhorwood

Jon Reminder

Tammy Schneider (Paraprofessional)

Paula Shaw

Cody Sigrist

Rachael Stacklin

Bess Standley

Garrett Jenkins was approved as a volunteer high school track coach.

The board approved increasing the hourly wage for a summer tech aide to $15/hour.

Finally, the board recognized April Seniors of the Month Paula Paredes Reinoso and Braylon Newcomb. They each received an achievement pin and a $15 gift card to Ron’s Pizza.

The next board meeting will be May 12th at 6:30 p.m. in the Distance Learning Center.

Photos: BES Principal Jenny Salyer leads a presentation at the BCS Board meeting in the Distance Learning Center.

Seniors of the Month Paula Paredes Reinoso (left) and Braylon Newcomb