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Wednesday, 09 July 2008 |
By KAY LOUTH
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — The St. Marys School District has a new superintendent. Board of Education members unanimously approved Mary Riepenhoff, Van Wert Middle School principal, during Tuesday night’s regular board meeting.
Riepenhoff is an experienced educator in the state of Ohio and has a background in the middle school concept and the challenges of moving into a new school — both issues facing the St. Marys school district in the next two years.
After the board’s approval of her contract, Riepenhoff briefly introduced herself and her family, who were also present last night. Current Superintendent Ken Baker is moving on to a job in the private sector. His last day is July 31.
Board members also heard an update from Bob Sewell, the construction manager for the building and renovation project. Sewell said the renovation of East and West Elementary schools was on a faster track now because contractors either did not want to commit to a two-year contract or agree to hold costs at the current rate.
Sewell and the elementary principals recently met and worked out a new phasing plan for the renovation at the two buildings.
Sewell said bids would go out in November and awarded in December. Construction crews would start at the two buildings in January.
Four modules would be available at the two schools to help as construction moves forward.
Keeping up an accelerated pace requires construction crews to work through spring and summer breaks. With a new plan worked out, Sewell will present the plan to the Ohio School Facilities Commission for its approval before bringing it back to the board of education for approval at the August meeting.
Having the modules available provides a safety net in case the construction project hits a snag along the way.
“We are significantly under budget with the plan, with the modules,” Sewell said.
Unofficial Ohio Graduation Tests results are in and the district passed 26 out of 30 criteria, which represents an effective rating.
“Ironically the items we did not meet last school year, we’ve improved — eighth grade social studies, tenth grade science,” Baker said. “The problem we have this year seems to be located in the fifth grade.”
Official results will come out later this year.
Baker also took a moment to commend board members on the superintendent search.
“Mary is well respected around the state of Ohio,” Baker said. “I think she’s a great gift.”
The design process is close to being wrapped up as Board Member Rees McKee introduced the interior color scheme for the two elementary buildings. The color scheme calls for earth colors of light and medium tan, dark brown and royal blue. He showed board members a swatch board of the various elements.
Naming rights for the gym are moving along. Business Manager Kurt Kuffner has received several responses to a letter he sent to local businesses and building and grounds committee was given permission by the board to evaluate the responses.
One piece of business is finished for the new school. Board members unanimously agreed to name the high school portion of the new building the St. Marys Memorial High School and the middle school portion will be called St. Marys Middle School.
Board member Craig Gottschalk announced nominations are being accepted for the Alumni of the Year and the winner would be honored at a home game against Wapakoneta in September.
Gottschalk has been at the forefront of investigating whether to move the football field to the new school or keep and renovate Baughman Field.
Results from a community survey concerning that question were discussed during the meeting.
With more than 300 responses received, those who participated in the survey want the district to build a multipurpose sports complex at the new school site.
The board moved into executive session to discuss administrative salaries. After returning to regular session, board members approved contracts with the administration and classified employees.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 14 July 2008 )
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