The report from Northwestern Elementary School (NWES) Warrior News Team and a heartfelt tribute to the Head Football Coach from the Warrior Varsity football team brought students into the spotlight at the Northwestern Local Schools Board of Education (BOE) meeting held at 6:30 pm on Jan. 21, 2015 in the Northwestern Elementary School library.  

BOE President Pam Marton presided and the meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the BOE’s Dec. 17, 2015 regular meeting and the Jan. 11, 2016 organizational/tax budget hearing were presented, accepted, and are available on the district’s website.

NWES Principal Danielle Romine presented BOE members with a detailed update of past and upcoming activities at the elementary school. Romine also mentioned and thanked the NWES PTO for their continued support, saying the organization helps make many of the activities possible.

NWES sixth graders Caleb Bowsman, Spencer Fuschino, Ryan Harrington, Ava Hess, Noah Jordan, Jay Lee, Katie Moebius and Kat Smith presented a slide show and video highlighting the advantages they get from participating in the elementary school’s innovative “Warrior News Team” enrichment program.  

According to the students, the NWES Warrior News Team prepares news reports for NWES students about school news, current events, sports, and upcoming school activities.  They also interview local leaders, such as WHIO Channel 7 News Star Carson Foreman and Superintendent Steiner. The news reports are broadcast bi-weekly in the elementary school. Intervention Specialist Amy Fischer serves as Warrior News Team advisor. A link to the Warrior News Team Station is available on the district’s homepage.

Northwestern Varsity Football Captain Landon Rohrer took the floor on behalf of his team mates. A letter read by Rohrer provided BOE members with a glimpse into the difference Head Football Coach Seth Whiting made in his players’ lives. According to Rohrer, Whiting taught his players the importance of “persevering in all aspects of life, not just football.”  Rhorer also mentioned how the coach implemented activities like the annual “Moms Pasta Dinner” and “Dads’ Ice Cream Social” and how those activities impacted players, “We served our moms instead of the other way around...and although an ‘Ice Cream Social’ sounds kind of boring to a guy, it was delightful to just sit, talk, and eat ice cream with our dads and brothers. These kinds of activities taught us respect.” Rohrer said the team wanted the BOE to know what kind of man Whiting is before they accepted his resignation.

Superintendent Steiner reported that building project concerns continue to be a problem facing the district.

Northwestern’s building project is in its second year of post-construction, however, according to Steiner, there are still “punch card items” that need fixed or completed. “We’re at the place where repairs are an out-of-pocket expense for the contractors. Shook-Touchstone is having difficulty getting a hold of their sub-contractors so they can step up and finish the job.” The Superintendent says increased pressure put on sub-contractors by Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) is helping to get things done. “But it’s not just a question of wanting the job ‘done,’ we want the job to be done right” says Steiner.  

Steiner also reported that a local real-estate attorney will be helping the district get the deed to the land surrounding the cemetery plot sitting on campus grounds. There have been concerns that the cemetery poses a safety risk to students and an eyesore to visitors.

In other business, the BOE approved the employment of Tamara Abraham and Chelsey Christensen as tutors, Lisa Miller as a cook, and Lori Norris as a non-certificated substitute teacher.

The following individuals were accepted into various paid coaching positions for the 2015-2016 school year: Missy Johnson, Kevin Fraker, Tracy Cleveland, Brian Stevenson, Miranda Sagle, Kris Doggett, Denise Anantharaman, Dara Errett, Jeff Smyczek and Frank Stid. The position of J.V. softball coach has yet to be filled.  Kelly Braun and Jack Beard were approved to serve as volunteer coaches.

All employment and volunteer approvals are contingent upon FBI and BCI checks.

The BOE also accepted Seth Whiting’s resignation from the positions of Social Studies teacher and Head Football Coach and a request for leave from Brittany Barlow.

At the close of the meeting, Steiner presented BOE members with certificates thanking them for their service in honor of “School Board Appreciation Month.”

The next regular BOE meeting is Feb. 18, 2016 at 6:00 pm in the NWES library. More information about Northwestern’s BOE, including minutes of past meetings, can be found online at www.northwestern.k12.oh.us.