For school districts nationwide, 2020-21 proved to be the most challenging year on record, and Springfield Local Schools was no exception.
To recognize the work and dedication put forth by staff, Superintendent Matt Geha issued commendations to personnel at the July 14 board of education meeting.
“I want to say thank you to our departments and their staff,” he said.
The superintendent noted that food service, in particular, had a demanding year.
“We changed so many things in a short period of time. Our food service changed everything literally on a dime last March,” he noted.
The department had to adjust quickly to the type of food prepared, packaging of the food, and delivery as parents of students picked up packaged lunches each day to take home.
“Thank you on behalf of all of us,” he added.
Mr. Geha commended lunchroom monitors and library clerks “who couldn’t operate historically as they did.”
He also lauded the technology department and its three staff members for helping 4,000 students with Chromebook issues as well as teachers and other personnel.
“They did so much and showed patience. Our technology department was outstanding.”
In particular, he recognized the directors of each department. “They made things happen, inspiring others in their departments. They are a great team. I thank all of our directors for a great job.”
Personnel
The school board took a number of personnel actions including the hiring of a new principal at Holland Elementary School.
Andrew Evans was issued a two-year contract as principal, effective July 30. He replaces Kelly Hartbarger who becomes a special education coordinator for the district on August 1.
Mr. Evans has a master’s in educational leadership from Concordia University; a bachelor of arts in telecommunications from Bowling Green State University, and early childhood generalist and license in early childhood education from Lourdes University.
He began working at Springfield in 2019 as a social emotional learning coach at Holland and Holloway elementary schools. Prior to that he worked for Perrysburg School District in second and fourth grades.
In other personnel action, the board;
•Issued one-year contracts to Victoria Clemens, Springfield Digital Academy teacher, grades six to eight; Jamie Hesselbein, SMS health/physical education; Brandy Klena, Holland, intervention specialist; Elizabeth Niese, digital academy elementary teacher; Jennifer Schupp, Dorr early childhood intervention specialist.
•Awarded two-year classified contracts to Brittany Alcock, accounts payable clerk, and Crystal Williams, centralized enrollment coordinator, both effective July 1.
•Approved a leave of absence for Cindy Cherry, bus driver and recess monitor, Crissey elementary, from August through November.
•Awarded pupil activity contracts for 2021-22 to Raul (Sam) Arredondo, SHS football assistant coach JV and varsity and SHS girls JV basketball coach; Arthur Battle, SHS girls basketball, assistant coach; Anthony Burroughs, SHS boys freshman basketball assistant coach; Megan Cantu, SHS dance team advisor; Kathryn Crago, SHS JV volleyball assistant coach; Rachel Dudukovich, SHS girls freshman basketball assistant coach; Michael Freado, SMS football head coach eighth grade; Tyler Haughawout, SHS volleyball assistant coach; Jessie Hodulik, SHS gymnastics coach; Lisa Holden, SHS girls golf coach; David Laser, SHS football assistant coach JV/varsity; Kyle Linehan, SHS boys basketball head coach; Kaeli Peer, SHS boys and girls swimming coach; Amber Poponak, SMS volleyball seventh grade coach; McKenna Reitz, SHS varsity volleyball coach; Dan Schlieman, SHS boys soccer assistant varsity coach; Dennis Springs, SHS boys varsity basketball assistant coach.
•Issued a change of pupil activity permits for Marty Coombs from SMS football co-coach seventh grade to SMS football assistant coach eighth grade; Andrew Gilliam from SMS football co-coach seventh grade to SMS football coach seventh grade.
•Awarded substitute teaching contracts to Ramona Bier, Freda Drake, Susan Dziubek, Michelle Fais, Diane Gajewski, Michael Kaucher, Randy Norris, Joseph Pittenger, John Scott, Robin Sears, April Shaw and Shelby Simon
They also approved a substitute contract to Peter Kramp, trade service technician.
•Accepted a supplemental contract with Shannon Berry, end of school year tutor, effective June 23.
•Approved as volunteers for Springfield athletics William Douglas, William Magginis, Wade Opaczewski and Carl Palmer.
Other Business
In other business, the board of education:
•Received an update from Mr. Geha regarding ODOT’s plan to eliminate the left turn on McCord road at Spring Valley Drive.
Removing the turn lane would force traffic to travel north through the roundabout to come back and make a right turn onto Spring Valley, which the superintendent believes is a problem since traffic at the roundabout is “very stressed. There’s already a lot of traffic.”
He said the district is in agreement with area businesses and the Holland-Springfield Chamber of Commerce, all of which would like ODOT to explore alternatives to eliminating the turn.
•Approved the 2021-22 school calendar for the early childhood center.
•Amended the school nurse and clinical services program agreement to reflect a change to Promedica, which will now provide services.
•Approved a job description for academic interventionist for grades kindergarten through five. The part-time positions will be paid for using Title I funding, Mr. Geha explained.
•Approved the Jullian and Grube, Inc. proposal to conduct an annual Medicaid audit using the Medicaid agreed upon procedures through June 30, 2023, at a cost of $1,600.
•Entered into executive session to consider the purchase of property for public purposes, but took no action.
The next board of education meeting will be at 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 28, at the administration building, 6900 Hall Street, Holland, and is open to the public.
