The regular meeting for the Continental School Board was held at 7:00 p.m. through a virtual zoom meeting on November 17, 2020. The meeting was called to order by president Dean Bidlack. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Kissell.
Hearing of the Public: None
Mrs. Tracy Potts, Elementary Principal, reported:
•Virtual Learning – The teachers have worked diligently to teach the students how to use zoom, apps, etc. to
prepare for online learning. Students have practiced using the online platforms since day one of school.
•The elementary staff has gone above and beyond this last week from covering classes to preparing for
online learning. Every time I thought I couldn’t get a class covered, someone would volunteer. I appreciate all
of the extra effort and I am grateful for the support.
•Grandparent/Grandfriend Day was canceled this year, but each student created a letter or picture for
someone special. The documents are being mailed by the Parents of Pirates. They are also paying for the
postage. The Elementary staff would like to thank the POP organization for supporting our school.
•The Fall Gifted testing is complete, except for the students that were quarantined.
• Parent/Teacher Conferences are Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26. All conferences are
now virtual.
•Our Christmas for Kids campaign is underway. Students are purchasing raffle tickets to raise money. Thank
you to all the groups that donated baskets. The live drive at H & K is December 3 from 10 am – 1 pm
•Both third grade classes received dictionaries from the Ottawa Rotary Club. •Upcoming Events: Nov. 20– 2nd quarter midterm Nov. 22-Dec. 30 – No School
Mr. Tim Eding, JH/HS Principal, reported:
•The fall play, Almost Maine was a big success! Thank you to the cast, crew, and staff involved in putting the
show on stage!
•While it was different, we were able to celebrate Veterans Day and hold the American Legion’s “Americanism
Test” within the last month. Both went well.
•The midterm of the 2nd quarter is this coming Friday (November 20th). We’ll be sending out midterm reports
next week.
•We will be transitioning to “virtual” P/T Conferences for next week. More info is being sent to parents soon.
•This is subject to change, but as of now we are planning to hold in-person band/choir concerts this winter.
Instead of having one large concert with all levels (Elem, JH, and HS), we will be breaking the concert up
over three nights. As of now, we plan to do the HS Band/Choir on Dec 7, JH Band/Choir on Dec 8, and Elem
Band on Dec 9. These concerts would be limited to immediate family (there would be a “ticket” process) and
we would socially distance everyone in the auditorium.
•As of now (and subject to change), we are holding the induction ceremony for the NHS on December 11th.
This would not be a school-wide event–only the current and new NHS members would be in attendance and
we would only invite the parents of new members to attend the ceremony. Certain elements of the program
would also be changed due to Covid.
•Remote Learning: Obviously, the transition to remote learning tomorrow will be a challenge but I believe we
are ready. We have been laying the groundwork and preparing for this since the first day of school. There is
always an unknown element to something new, but we’ll work through the issues together and make it work.
•I can’t say enough good about the staff. This has been a challenging year on so many levels, but the staff
has risen to the occasion. I am so appreciative of the way the staff has worked with each other and worked
with me through all of this. When I need help covering a class, teachers and other staff members do
whatever is asked without any complaint. Nobody says no–they know that we need help covering classes
and they do it even when they have to give up their own planning time to make it work. We are truly lucky
and blessed to have the staff we do–and I know that whatever else comes our way will be met with success
because of the quality of people we have on our staff.
Treasurer’s Report:
The Board:
•Approved the five-year forecast.
•Approved a request by Palmer Township Trustees for a 100% TIF (Tax Increment Financing) package for 15 years for
necessary maintenance costs of Rd F-18 roadway improvements, due to the construction and operations of a swine
finishing building by Dennis Vennekotter at 18489 Road F18. The Board of Education waives the 45-day waiting
period and agrees to Option “A” of the proposed TIF agreement. Palmer Township will retain 75% of the revenue
generated by property taxes for the project.
Superintendent’s Report:
•The Board heard the transportation report. The Board approved the purchase of a 72-passenger propane bus from
Cardinal Bus Sales utilizing the 2020-2021 EPC bus purchasing program at a purchase price of $99,677.
•Robin Etter gave the Vantage Career Center report. Recognized was Continental School Board Member Ron
Bradford for his 12 years of service as a Vantage Career Center board member from January 2008-December 2019.
Thank you Ron for your dedication to both Continental and Vantage Career Center students and for being a leader in
career technical education.
The Board:
•Approved the November 2020 Putnam County substitute teacher list, provided by the Putnam County ESC.
•Approved a resolution to endorse the Fair School Funding Plan, as introduced in the Senate Companion Bill to
substitute H.B. 305, and to encourage the 133rd General Assembly to expedite the passage of the Bill.
•Approved maternity leave to Taylor Geckle, kindergarten teacher. Anticipated six-week leave will begin approximately
February 21.
The next regular Board meeting date will be December 15th at 7:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
