Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 432 into law last week, which opens up the pool of teachers for career technical schools like Ohio Hi-Point (OHP). With that in mind, the OHP board of education was introduced to the options they have to consider at their regular meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18.
“This new law will allow flexibility in the teacher licensing clause,” Brad Richardson, assistant superintendent, told the board members. “And it goes into effect immediately.”
According to Richardson, they have three ways to go—interested instructors can earn 24 credit hours or nine credit hours with 45 hours of professional development or 90 hours of professional development without any college.
Richardson admitted they’re leaning toward option B but will know by the end of the month.
Whichever way they decide to go, they will be able to offer teachers coming to OHP from industry an easier path toward earning their teacher’s license. The district plans to partner with the University of Toledo to provide the needed classes at the OHP campus.
District Update
With the school finishing up finals week, students and staff can look forward to Christmas break starting on Monday, Dec. 23.
Superintendent Dr. Rick Smith told the board they are working on an operational planning review report, which he believes will be out in February or March. In the report, they will look for ways to improve, strengthen and enhance current programs.
“It’s a comprehensive look at the district. How can we prepare for what’s coming or even lead the charge?” Kelsey Webb, OHP marketing and public relations coordinator, later explained.
Smith also named Jazmyne Doty, cosmetology, Indian Lake, and Hayley Deitsch, Health Careers Academy, Benjamin Logan, as the December 2024 main campus students of the month.
Career Tech Update
In his report, Richardson also informed the board about the National ACTE’s CareerTech VISION Conference, which he attended in San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 4-7. He said it showed them areas where OHP is doing well, and other areas where they can improve.
“We came back with some good ideas and takeaways from there,” Richardson said.
One of those ideas is a reverse career fair, where businesses get a chance to tour the school and see what students are doing in their labs and how their training can benefit companies. In addition, he learned new ways to not only attract more students but to bring in businesses as well.
“We saw cutting edge equipment and current resources we didn’t know were available,” he concluded. “Overall, it was a good trip and a valuable experience.”
Treasurer Action Items
On the recommendation of Caleb Lang, treasurer, the board approved the November 2024 financial statement. He also presented the HB312 purchasing card report for 2024. The total came to $1,160,994.25, which was slightly over the 2023 amount of $1,036,684.10.
Interest and investments: HNB Gen Op Investments: $20,091.78; HNB Bldg Fund Investments: $541.33; HNB Bond Trust: $2.30; Star Ohio interest: $24,452.71; Middlefield Bank interest: $73.74; Richwood Bank interest: $1.49; Total: $45,163.35.
The board approved disposing of the following assets: a 2002 Freightliner—scrapping with D&J Metals; 100 Mitel telephones—donating to Marysville Exempted Village Schools; and various electronic waste to be recycled with GreenWave.
A modification of $3,000 was taken from the assistant superintendent general fund and put in the technical general fund.
Superintendent Recommendations
Smith presented the following for approval:
- Internship agreements with Downsize Farm, Woodstock; My Work Choice, Kenton; TP Mechanical, Columbus; Urbana Health & Rehab Center.
- Employment of Richard Whitehead as a substitute teacher from Dec. 13 to June 30, 2025, on a limited, as needed contract.
- Resignation of Frank Valero, CBI instructor, effective Jan. 10, 2025, for the purpose of retirement.
- A $50 six-month (January to June) cell phone stipend to Elyse Brown, career tech financial assistant.
- Building lease agreement with the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center.
- Classified staff employment, facilities and grounds salary schedule, to Dustin McClain, facility specialist, from Jan. 21, 2025, to June 30, 2025.
- Out-of-state professional development request from Ashley Thompson, Marysville High School agriculture education satellite instructor, to attend CASE Veterinary Science Briefcase Training in Schuylerville, NY, from Feb. 16-17, 2025, at a cost of $2,175.
The next meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.