Anna Local Schools
Monday, January 12th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its annual organizational meeting at 6:30 P.M.
on Monday, January 12, 2015. All five board members in addition to the superintendent,
treasurer, high school principal and elementary principal were present. Mike Muehlfeld, Nick
Marino and Craig Steifel also attended the meeting. Superintendent Andy Bixler called the
meeting to order. The board selected Mrs. Terri Berning as president for 2015, while Mr. Dale
Bensman will serve as the board’s vice-president. After the selection of officers, the board
acted to employ Nick Marino as Head Football Coach and a teacher for the 2015-16 school
year.
In organizational action, the regular meeting time of the board will remain 6:30 PM on the
second Monday of each month in middle school room 209. The board members maintained
their current rate of compensation at $80 per meeting and opted to donate $150 to the Anna
Education Scholarship fund. The treasurer, Denny Raberding, was approved to collect taxes,
invest funds, pay bills and advance money between funds. The superintendent, Andy Bixler,
was approved to act as the district’s purchasing agent, sign checks in the absence of the
treasurer, employ temporary employees and accept resignations. Elementary Principal John
Holtzapple was approved as the acting superintendent in the absence of Mr. Bixler. The board
adopted the procedural safeguards for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, an annual
action. The following committee assignments were made for board members: Anna Education
Foundation – Mr. Jason Fogt, Athletic Council – Mr. Andy Counts, OSBA Legislative Authority –
Mr. Dale Bensman, Certified Staff Liaison – Mr. Matt Murray, Classified Staff Liaison – Mr.
Bensman, Village Liaison – Mrs. Terri Berning and Facilities Liaison – Mr. Bensman.
The building principals did not report to the board for the organizational meeting. Treasurer
Dennis Raberding shared information with the board pertaining to employee health insurance.
Mr. Raberding also shared a comparison of area school district income tax and millage rates,
highlighting that our overall tax burden remains very low in the area. Mr. Andy Bixler,
superintendent, presented a survey that was distributed to open enrollment families. He also
shared that the enrollment study that was completed as part of the facilities assessments
projects enrollment to decrease slightly over the next ten years. A meeting with the OFCC to
review our entire facilities assessment is planned for the end of the month.
In new business, the board accepted the resignation of Rick Russell as high school principal
effective June 30, 2015.
The board moved into executive session at 7:25 PM. The regular meeting resumed and was
adjourned at 7:45 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools Board of Education
is set for Monday, February 9 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, February 9th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of February
at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, February 9. All five board members in addition to the superintendent,
treasurer, elementary and high school principal were present. Charlie Rhyan attended the
meeting as a guest and provided a summary of community engagement services provided by
the architectural firm Fanning and Howey.
The principals provided updates on recent student activities and accomplishments of Anna
students. Mr. John Holtzapple reported that 102 prospective kindergarteners are scheduled for
screening next month. Additionally, 176 elementary students earned perfect attendance during
the second nine weeks while 162 qualified for the honor role in grades 3-5. Mr. Rick Russell
reviewed the dual enrollment offerings that allow students to earn college credit while at Anna
High School. He noted that there are 12 such offerings this year. The Board approved the out
of state trip.
Dennis Raberding shared the most recent income tax settlement that the school received. The
statement shows that the income in the district continues to be higher than one year ago. Mr.
Raberding also presented historical information about millage rates of the school district for the
past 36 years. The board opted to maintain the current rates and amounts for next year. Mr.
Raberding also reviewed the property and liability insurance renewal for the district.
Superintendent Andy Bixler reviewed the notes from the facilities study meeting conducted in
conjunction with the Ohio School Facilities Commission. The board engaged in discussion
about how to effectively use the information and gather input from the community. After much
discussion the board acted to hire Fanning and Howey for prebond architectural services and
community engagement.
The school board adopted the calendar for the 2015-16 school year as submitted. Additionally,
the board accepted the retirement resignation of Beth King as a teacher effective at the end of
the school year. The board also awarded supplemental contracts to Amanda Rickert and Rick
Crosson to coach JV Softball.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, March 9, 2015 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, March 9th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of March at
6:30 P.M. on Monday, March 9, 2015. All five board members in addition to the superintendent,
treasurer and three principals were present. Joel and Kelly Staudter, Chad Kellersmith and Beth
King attended the meeting as guests.
Rick Russell, High School Principal, reminded the board of the upcoming musical and reported
that Jordan Jurosic received an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point. Middle
School Principal Cindy Endsley reviewed the successful Jr. High Basketball seasons.
Elementary Principal John Holtzapple explained that the student council had just completed a
school-wide pop tab collection contest and donated $187 to the Ronald McDonald House.
Treasurer, Dennis Raberding, supplied the board with information about the current budget and
school funding proposals. He showed that the anticipated increases in property tax income tax
collection are offset by the decreases in state funding and reimbursements.
Mr. Andy Bixler, superintendent, explained to the board the plan to discontinue the open
enrollment bus stop at Redeemer Lutheran Church and subsequent reduction of a bus route for
the 2015-16 school year. The board also took time to create a list of community members to
invite to be part of the facilities planning committee. This group will use the results of the OSFC
facilities study to help gather community wide input in planning for the future of the school
facilities.
In new business, the board accepted the retirement resignation of Jenny Sherman effective May
31, 2015. Additionally, Joel Staudter was employed as the High School Principal beginning July
1, 2015.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, April 13, 2015 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, April 20th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of April at
6:30 P.M. on Monday, April 20, 2015. All five board members in addition to the superintendent,
treasurer and three principals were present. Joel Staudter, Kelly Staudter, Kim Waterman and
Diane Egbert also attended the meeting. There were no requests to address the board.
Rick Russell, High School Principal, announced students’ successful efforts in the Believe in
Ohio Science Competition. Students who were mentioned include Korash Assani, Anne Marie
Goettemoeller, Michalia Heitkamp, Jordan Jurosic and Nathan Watercutter. Middle School
Principal Cindy Endsley presented plans to change online grade tracking to Progress Book for
the upcoming year. Elementary Principal John Holtzapple discussed Kindergarten Screening.
He reported that 86 students have registered for Kindergarten next year.
Treasurer, Dennis Raberding, reviewed the methods and strategies used in investing school
funds. He also showed information about a new online system called ohiocheck.com. This is a
reporting tool being developed for public entities in Ohio.
Mr. Andy Bixler, superintendent, reviewed updates to the policy manual from NEOLA. The
board acted to approve the recommended policies. He reminded the board of the upcoming
Employee Banquet. The dates for the Anna Homecoming will be June 19 and 20.
In new business, the board acted to approve the employee contracts as presented.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, May 11, 2015 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, May 11th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of May at
6:30 P.M. on Monday, May 11, 2015. All five board members in addition to the superintendent,
treasurer, elementary, middle and high school principal were present. Clair Ruhenkamp and
Joel Staudter attended the meeting as guests and there were no requests to address the board.
After introductions, the board acted to employ Miss Ruhenkamp as a teacher. She will teach
first grade next year.
Elementary Principal Mr. Holtzapple reported to the board plans for transitioning from Edline to
Progress Book for on-line grade reporting to parents. He also announced that DARE graduation
is planned for May 19. Mrs. Endsley asked the board to approve an out of state trip for
members of the FCCLA to attend the National Convention in Washington D.C. in July. The
board acted to approve the trip. Mr. Russell, High School Principal, presented the board with
the 2015 graduation list which the board voted to approve.
Dennis Raberding, treasurer, presented information about the permanent improvement levy
renewal and timelines. The board then passed a resolution of necessity for the renewal of the
permanent improvement levy in the November election. Mr. Raberding also presented the Five
Year Forecast to the board and the board adopted the forecast.
The school board took action to award supplemental and extended day contracts as presented
for next year. Additionally, the board voted to renew membership with the Ohio High School
Athletic Association. Finally, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the
Anna Local Teachers Association.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, June 8 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, June 8th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of June at
6:30 P.M. on Monday, June 8, 2015. All five board members in addition to the superintendent,
treasurer, three principals were present. Jenna Freisthler attended the meeting, and after the
minutes were approved, the board acted to approve her as a teacher.
The three principals all reported on the successful conclusion of the school year including many
accomplishments of Anna students. High School Principal Rick Russell asked the board and
was granted approval for the high school band to travel to Orlando next spring.
Dennis Raberding, treasurer, presented temporary appropriations and the board authorized the
appropriations as presented. Mr. Raberding also reviewed the Permanent Improvement fund
including the process required to renew the PI levy in November.
Mr. Andy Bixler, superintendent, presented the annual public health nursing services report as
prepared by Linda Daniel. He also reviewed the open enrollment process and data for the
school. Finally, Mr. Bixler updated the board on personnel changes planned for the upcoming
school year and some of the maintenance projects that will take place over the summer.
In new business, the board passed a resolution to proceed with the permanent improvement
levy renewal for the November election. The board accepted resignations of Joan Steinke
effective December 31, 2015 as well as Marlene Steinke in the cafeteria.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 9:00 AM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, July 7th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of July at
9:00 AM on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. All five board members, in addition to the superintendent
and treasurer, were present.
Dennis Raberding, treasurer, reviewed finances for the 2014-15 school year reviewing receipts
and expenditures. He showed several items including the final appropriations for the year, a ten
year history of ESC service costs and estimates of state funding amounts for the next two years.
Mr. Raberding asked the board to approve a contract for GAAP services, and the board
approved the request. Finally, Mr. Raberding presented a financial year in review for the
cafeteria.
The board acted to approve lunch prices and school fees as recommended. The lunch prices
for the upcoming school year will be $2.35 for elementary students, $2.60 for MS/HS students
and $2.85 for adults.
Andy Bixler, superintendent, reported on planned classes for on-site College Credit Plus for the
upcoming school year as well as the number of students that are enrolled in off-site CCP course
work. The board also discussed a plan to develop board goals for the 15-16 school year.
The board acted to employ Stacey Poppe as the elementary literacy aid and Kelly Steineman as
a part-time intervention specialist. The board also awarded several supplemental contracts.
The board elected to participate in the EPC bus purchasing program and approved the service
agreement with the Midwest Regional ESC.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for August 10, 2015 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, August 10th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of August at
6:30 P.M. on Monday, August 10, 2015. All five board members in addition to the
superintendent, treasurer, and three principals were present. Stacey and Matt Poppe, Kelly
Steineman, Adam Reiss and Michelle Brunson attended the meeting as guests. There were no
requests to address the board.
The principals, John Holtzapple, Cindy Endsley and Joel Staudter, reported on back to school
information. Items included Kindergarten Parents Open House scheduled for August 18 at 7:00
PM; open house for kindergarten students scheduled for August 20 beginning at 8:00 AM, and
Grades 1-12 Open House which will be held on August 24 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The first
day of school is Wednesday, August 26.
Treasurer, Dennis Raberding, showed the last five years of revenues from income tax to the
district noting that the most recent settlement shows a modest increase from previous July
settlements.
The board discussed and adopted the following goals for the 2015-16 school year.
1 Direct an evaluation of the school district facilities and participate in long range facilities
planning for our district.
2 Continue to participate in professional development activities.
3 Speak to our successes and recognize the efforts of staff members, encourage an increase in
presentations at board meetings and attend student activities or performances.
4 Renew the Permanent Improvement levy.
5 Assure that the district’s curriculum and guidance programming is appropriate for producing
college and career ready graduates.
6 Successfully conduct negotiations with the Anna Local Teachers Association.
Mr. Andy Bixler, superintendent, updated the board on the meetings scheduled for the Facilities
Planning Committee. He also announced that a community meeting will be held on September
22 at 7:00 PM in Milliette Auditorium. Mr. Bixler provided a True Days Cash summary, a report
that measures the fiscal stability of the schools for the last fourteen years. He noted that the
Anna Schools showed an increase in its cash balance for the fourth year in a row.
The board employed Jenny Pleiman as a cook and awarded several supplemental contracts.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, September 14, 2015 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, September 14th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of
September at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, September 14, 2015. All five board members in addition to
the superintendent, treasurer, and building principals were present. Michelle Brunson, Tim
Zimpfer, Sarah Heilers, Greg MacKenzie and Andy Schulze attended the meeting. There were
no requests to address the board.
The principals updated the board on back to school items for the buildings. Elementary
Principal John Holtzapple announced that 60 new chromebooks were in place at the elementary
due in large part to the generous donation from the Volunteers for Education. Middle School
Principal Cindy Endsley explained the formation of a new entrepreneurship class taught by Mrs.
Heintz. Joel Staudter, high school principal, reported about upcoming plans for Homecoming
week.
Treasurer Denny Raberding proposed appropriations for fiscal year 2016. The board adopted
the appropriations as presented. The board also discussed the renewal of the permanent
improvement levy in the November election. This is a renewal and represents no increase in
taxes. Mr. Raberding also explained a scanning project to maintain old documents and the
current district audit by the State Auditor’s Office.
Mr. Andy Bixler, superintendent, reminded the board of upcoming meetings pertaining to their
various committee assignments. In addition, Mr. Bixler presented the opening day enrollment of
1,256 students. The superintendent also reviewed the facilities planning process and upcoming
plans. A community meeting will be held on September 22 at 7:30 PM in Milliette Auditorium.
All homes in the district received an invitation and members of the FCCLA have volunteered to
provide babysitting during this meeting.
The school board acted to approve supplemental contracts as presented and accepted the
resignation of Scott Nanik as a regular route bus driver.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, October 12, 2015 at 6:30 PM.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, October 12th, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of October at
6:30 P.M. on Monday, October 12, 2015. All five board members in addition to the
superintendent, treasurer, and three principals were present. Steve Wilczynski, Gina Powell,
Steve and Jan Elsass, Mindy Seitz, Michelle Brunson and Adam Reiss attended the meeting as
guests and there were no requests to address the board.
After the introduction of guests, the board voted to employ Mindy Seitz as EMIS and payroll
coordinator.
Mr. Holtzapple, elementary principal, informed the board of the recent school safety drill that
was conducted involving all students and staff in the district. Mrs. Endsley highlighted efforts of
Mr. Bruce preparing 8th grade students for the upcoming trip to Washington D.C. Mr. Staudter
reviewed High School Guidance programming led by Michelle Holsinger this fall. He also
requested that the board approve out of state trips for members of the FFA to attend the
National Convention in Louisville and for FCCLA members to go to the National Cluster Meeting
in Indianapolis. The board acted to approve both trips.
Treasurer Dennis Raberding presented the five-year forecast for expenditures and receipts of
the general fund in fiscal years 16 through 20. The forecast shows that anticipated revenues
should exceed expenditures for the next couple of years. Also, the general fund balance is
adequate for district operations for the duration of the forecast. After discussing both the
revenue and expenditure sections of the forecast, the school board took action to adopt it as
presented. Mr. Raberding also reminded the board of the upcoming vote for the permanent
improvement levy renewal that will take place in the November election. A reminder of the
election will be included in the Rocket Review at the end of the month.
Board members made brief reports from their various committee assignments. Andy Bixler,
superintendent, reminded the board of the OSBA Capital Conference on November 9 and 10.
On behalf of the Facilities Planning Committee, Mr. Bixler presented the committee’s
recommendation to the board. This recommendation includes participating in an Ohio School
Facilities Project to perform renovations at both the elementary and middle/high school. In
addition to these prescribed renovations, the FPC recommends $1 million be included for locally
funded initiatives. This project is estimated to cost $19.52 million dollars with the state supplying
$9.5 million and the local share being just over $10 million. The committee also recommends
that the board consider a combined property tax/income tax option to fund the project. The
board reviewed the recommended project, potential funding options, and necessary steps to
place a bond issue on the March 2016 ballot.
The board resolved to accept the Facility Planning Committee Master Plan recommendation
and authorized the superintendent and treasurer to take steps to implement the
recommendation.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, November 2, 2015 at 6:30 PM. The board will also meet
on December 7.
Anna Local Schools
Monday, November 2nd, 2015
School Board Meeting Summary
The Anna Local Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting for the month of November
at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, November 2, 2015. All five board members in addition to the
superintendent, treasurer, elementary principal, middle school principal and high school
principal were present. Also in attendance at the meeting were Ashley Folkert, Kim
Hemmelgarn and Adam Reiss.
Elementary principal John Holtzapple reviewed preliminary results from last year’s state
assessments. He noted that he was extremely pleased with the performance of the students
and praised the efforts of the elementary staff. Mrs. Endlsey, middle school principal, reviewed
activities planned for the middle school chorus. She credited Ms. Freisthler with doing an
outstanding job leading the students. In the high school, Mr. Staudter informed the board of the
successes that occurred over the weekend including the Boys’ Cross Country team qualifying
for state and being named Regional Champions while the Volleyball team earned a District
Championship.
In the Treasurer’s report, Denny Raberding presented the most recent income tax settlement
which was consistent with what was expected and continues to show a slight increase over
previous years. He also showed the board how the total income of district residents has
increased over time.
Andy Bixler, superintendent, reviewed the necessary steps that the board must take to
participate in an OSFC project as well as place a bond issue on the March 2016 ballot. He
reviewed several recommended updates to the board policy manual. Finally, he reminded the
board of the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference in Columbus next week.
The school board took action to approve the 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. in 2016. The
board also acted to update the policy manual as presented and awarded the supplemental
contracts as presented. The board then passed a resolution of necessity to place a combined
income tax and property tax bond issue on the ballot on March 15, 2016.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM. The next regular meeting of the Anna Local Schools
Board of Education is set for Monday, December 7, 2015 at 6:30 PM.