C’view honors outgoing board member

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

CONVOY — The Crestview Local Board of Education honored outgoing member Mike Schlagbaum, heard an update on a solar energy discussion, and also heard an update on the district’s safety plan during its December meeting on Thursday.

Schlagbaum, who had served five years on the board, was given a plaque by Superintendent Mike Estes recognizing his tenure on the board. The board also approved a resolution acknowledging Schlagbaum’s service to the district.

The board also heard an update on preliminary talks the district is having about a solar array to provide energy for district facilities. Estes noted that, while talks are preliminary at this point, some talk has occurred on the possible location of a solar array, and how close it would need to be to school facilities. More discussion will be held in the future on the subject.

Estes also noted that the district’s safety plan had been submitted for review, and stated his opinion that little, if anything, would need to be corrected or changed. He also reported that coverings for interior windows in the district were being installed as part of the district safety plan.

During the brief meeting Thursday, Crestview dealt with one personnel item, approving a one-year limited contract to Andrea Agler as an elementary teacher, effective December 18. Elementary Principal Kathy Mollenkopf also introduced Agler, who attended the meeting.

High School Principal Mike Biro noted attendance at parent-teacher conferences has significantly decreased, a situation he said likely stemmed from the district’s progress book program that provides parents with more information on their students’ academic progress. Biro noted that he and the high school staff were looking at ways to better use the time they have been putting into parent-teacher conferences.

Board members unanimously approved recommendations for new, revised, deleted, and replacement board policies and bylaws.

The board also appointed Board President John Auld as president pro tempore to preside over the board’s organizational meeting, to be held at 6 p.m. Monday, January 11, 2016, in the district boardroom.

Also Thursday, the board approved a donation of $1,850 to the district music department from the Van Wert County Foundation.