The Vantage Board of Education held their Tax Budget hearing and Organizational meeting prior to the
January regular Board meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023 in the District Conference Room. During
the Organizational Meeting Pat Baumle (Wayne Trace) was elected President, Lonnie Nedderman
(Crestview) was elected Vice President, Tim Fitzpatrick (Fort Jennings) was chosen as the Legislative Liaison
and Greg von der Embse (Kalida) was chosen as the Student Achievement Liaison. During the Regular
Board meeting, Minutes from the December 1, 2022 regular Board meeting were approved along with
financial statements for the month of November, 2022. The Treasurer was authorized to compensate
Vantage Career Center Board of Education members at the maximum rate allowed by law of $125.00 per
meeting.
Superintendent Rick Turner welcomed the following guests to the meeting: Scott Truxell with the Van Wert
Independent, Sam Shrider with the Times Bulletin, Mr. Benjamin Winans, Vantage High School Director,
and Mrs. Angie Fahy, Adult Education Director.
Mr. Turner spoke about the following items in his report:
● Legislatively, the bill considered in the last session to restructure the Ohio Department of
Education was reintroduced in the Senate yesterday. A new biennium budget will take effect July 1,
so there will be much discussion regarding school funding and in particular the Fair School
Funding Plan. The OhioACTE Legislative Seminar is scheduled for February 8th and 9th, so we will
participate in that process and anticipate good dialog with our local legislators. Congressman
Klopenstein is new in our district and we look forward to working with him.
● Work has begun on the Permanent Improvement equipment purchase list for next year.
● A survey has been sent to staff to gather input on projected needs for facilities and equipment
over the next few years. The survey is one component of the 5-year Strategic Plan. The data will
be used to project timelines for replacement and upgrades of equipment, technology and
maintenance.
Mr. Turner thanked the Board of Education members for their time, commitment and leadership in
making the Vantage district successful. Board of Education members received a Certificate of
Appreciation from the Ohio School Boards Association.
High School Director Benjamin Winans began his report by thanking Gail Gillett and Paula VanTilburg for
organizing the “13 Days of Christmas” events. Mr. Winans also reported that Mrs. Ashley Cline, Mrs. Sarah
Koch, and their “elves” were able to once again make the Toss-a-Toy event a huge success. They were able
to raise just over $6,600.00 in their fundraising events and provide toys to families in need in Van Wert
and surrounding counties. Mr. Winans concluded his report by mentioning the following upcoming
events:
January 13- Last Day of 2nd Nine Weeks
January 16-Martin L. King Day (No School)
February 3- Sophomore Day
Adult Education Director Angie Fahy reported the following:
● CTX- We were initially awarded $50,000.00 for 2023. At the end of December, we were
awarded an additional $52,000.00
● EMT site visit by Ohio Department of Public Safety went very well. We will be approved to
offer Advanced EMT per the request of many area fire departments
● Ohio Board of Nursing completed the first site visit for the LPN-RN and Practical Nursing
programs. The final site visit will be in the spring of 2023
● Achademix training will take place at Vantage Career Center on January 24th and 25th.
● Maria Diltz will be scheduling High School visits within the next few months
In new business, the Board:
➢ Approved the following supplemental contracts, as needed, as scheduled for the 2022-2023 school
year: Scott Shardelow, Adult Banquet Worker and Brenda Wurst, Adult Banquet Worker
➢ Approved the following list, as Adult Education instructors, as needed, as scheduled: Michael Dirr,
Police Academy Instructor and Marsha Stechschulte, STNA Instructor
➢ Accepted the new minimum wage of $10.10 per hour, effective January 1, 2023, and adjust all
minimum wage employees accordingly.
➢ Approved out-of-state travel for Larry Davis and students, Auto Tech Program and Dan Edwards
and students, Auto Body Program to the Detroit Autorama Student Day in Detroit, Michigan on
February 24, 2023.
➢ Approved overnight and out-of-state travel for Theresa Mengerink, Social Studies Instructor, to the
Teach American History Multi-Day Seminar in St. Louis, Missouri on April 28, 2023.
➢ Accepted a donation of $660.00 from The Marsh Foundation to the Vantage Construction
Equipment Program.
➢ Accepted a donation of Matrix hair color from Van Wert Smart Style with an estimated value of
$350.00 to the Vantage Cosmetology Program.
➢ Accepted a donation of $560.00 from The Robert (Bob) Ricker Memorial to the Vantage Carpentry
and Construction Equipment Technology Programs.
➢ Approved the heat pump replacement in the ECE classroom from Qualls Mechanical Services, LLC
in the amount of $24,998.00.
➢ Passed the final reading of NEOLA New and Revised policies:
1617 Weapons
2280 Preschool Program
2413 Career Advising
2430 District-Sponsored Clubs and Activities
3120.08 Employment of Personnel for Co-Curricular Activities
3217 Weapons
4217 Weapons
5335 Care of Students with Chronic Health Conditions
5336 Care of Students with Diabetes
6550 Travel Payment & Reimbursement/Relocation Costs
6700 Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
7217 Weapons
7440 Facility Security
7440.03 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
8210 School Calendar
8320 Personnel Files
8330 Student Records
2266 Sexual Harassment/Title IX Grievance Process
End of Superintendent’s Consent Agenda Items
Outside of Consent Agenda Items
➢ Passed a resolution to acknowledge the Continental Board of Education representative, Robin
Etter, to serve on the Vantage Board Education, effective December 20, 2022.
➢ Passed a resolution to acknowledge the Ft. Jennings Board of Education representative, Tim
Fitzpatrick, to serve on the Vantage Board of Education, effective December 31, 2022.
➢ Passed a resolution to acknowledge the Lincolnview Board of Education representative, Michelle
Gorman, to serve on the Vantage Board of Education, effective December 21, 2022.
➢ Passed a resolution to acknowledge the Ottoville Board of Education representative, Kim
Wannemacher, to serve on the Vantage Board of Education, effective January 11, 2023.
➢ Passed a resolution to acknowledge the Van Wert Board of Education representative, Debby
Compton, to serve on the Vantage Board of Education, effective January 11, 2023..
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(5), the Superintendent hereby requests that the Board
adjourn into executive session for the purpose of considering personnel matters of the School District.
Adjournment – at the call of the President and at the pleasure of the Vantage Career Center Board of
Education
Next meeting – Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
In the District Conference Room
Regular February Board Meeting
Group Photo will be taken at the February Meeting
