The Bellefontaine Board of Education approved a revised tax abatement agreement during their monthly meeting Monday night, Feb. 13.
Last month, board members approved the abatement for a proposed 80-bed Cobblestone Hotel to be located next to the Mary Rutan Health Center, 1134 N. Main St., Bellefontaine.
A group of investors is funding the project, and the land is owned by Mary Rutan Hospital.
The hotel is expected to generate Bed Tax dollars and boost restaurant and retail sales in Bellefontaine.
The initial proposal called for a 100-percent tax abatement for 15 years.
In lieu of a tax payment, the investors agreed to give approximately $10,500 to Bellefontaine City Schools per year during the abatement.
Monday evening, the school board approved an amended compensation agreement equal to 25 percent of what BCS would otherwise have received without the tax abatement. This agreement is expected to generate thousands of dollars for BCS over the 15-year period because of changes in tax valuation.
In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of high school English language Arts teacher Jean Minnick, high school math teacher Mary Smith, and middle school guidance counselor Shawn Congleton, each effective May 26.
Both Minnick and Smith will be retiring at the end of the school year. They each have 34 years in education. Minnick has taught at BCS for 32 years, and Smith has taught at BCS for 25 years.
Members also recognized January Seniors of the Month Jordan Butler and Gabriel Foreman, along with February Seniors of the Month Kayla Watkins and Corbin Baker.
In other action, the board accepted or approved:
• the resignation of Candy Powell, educational aide, effective Feb. 17;
• Donna Howell as a home instruction tutor;
• one-year contracts for: Brenda Moon, food service, and Tamara Schneider, educational aide;
• Teresa Dunn to be an independent contractor for her services as a substitute speech therapist;
• John Maurice as an athletic worker to be paid at $14 per hour;
• supplemental contracts for: Steve Henry, head middle school girls track; Eric Fatzinger, head middle school boys track; Nathan Arbogast, assistant middle school girls track; Matt Gallaway, assistant middle school boys track; and James Ball, assistant high school boys tennis;
• volunteer coaches: Greg Bryant, high school baseball, and Zoe Price, high school track;
• preschool handbook for the 2023-24 school year;
• job description for the high school guidance secretary; and
• membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
The next board meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, March 13, in the Bellefontaine Elementary School library.
