Marion considers health bonus for staff

MARIA STEIN - Marion Local Schools employees may receive $50 bonuses for living healthier, more-active lifestyles.

School board members on Monday considered a plan to reward employees for completing required health screenings and taking part in activities. The goals of having a healthier staff would be lower insurance claims and saving the district money.

Treasurer Heather Cramer said the proposal was suggested by the Mercer-Auglaize Benefit Trust, an insurance consortium of which most public school districts in Mercer and Auglaize counties are members. The trust encourages districts to "create a plan to encourage employees to be engaged in their wellness."   

Cramer said the Marion Local wellness committee recommended the board adopt the program. The nearly 100 district employees would receive the bonus if they complete three healthy activities during the year, including a screening visit with their doctor and other activities, such as completing a health-risk assessment screening, attending a health-related presentation, receiving a flu shot, participating in a wellness committee challenge or participating in a physical challenge like running a 10K race.

Cramer said the screening cost is covered by insurance.

"The idea is to create less claims, which would then lower premiums," superintendent Mike Pohlman said.

He noted the increased focus on healthy living also would boost productivity and reduce absenteeism. Screening can detect medical conditions in the early stages to facilitate timely treatment, he added.

Cramer asked the board to set aside $5,000 for the program. She said New Knoxville has implemented a similar plan.

The board will consider taking action on the request at the May 9 meeting.

In other business, a number of personnel matters were handled. The board accepted the resignation of junior high girls basketball coach Paul Boeke. The following teachers were granted one-year contracts: Carol Bornhorst, Matt Elsass, Erica Fullenkamp, Mandy Koenig, Gail Mueller, Scott Sommer, Brad Spettel, Justine Thieman and Casey Witt. Gaining two-year contracts were Lisa Brunswick, Emily Henschen, Michelle Kessen, Marcus Overman and Julie Overman. Renee Pohlman was granted a three-year contract.

Non-certified staff granted two-year contracts included Todd Ashbaugh, bus driver; Lisa Bragg, dishwasher; Sandy Bruns cashier and instructional aide; Sarah Clune, dishwasher; Ron Kuess, custodian; and Katie Heitkamp, assistant to the treasurer. Gaining continuing contracts were Lori Kemper, elementary head cook; Angie Moeller, dishwasher; Sharon Schulte, cleaner; and Marcia Tebbe, aide.

Board members also approved Carol M. Riggle, certified public accountant, as cash-basis financial statement consultant at a cost of $1,450.

Cramer said hiring Riggle will save the district about $4,000 when compared with the previous consultants, Rea and Associates.

They approved a $400 total payment to Connie Brunswick and Mandy Koenig for directing the fifth- and sixth-grade drama club.   Derek Pierron was hired as a summer custodial employee for the third year at $8.45 per hour. Also hired for summer custodial work were Sarah Fesenmyer and Anna Kleinhenz (first year) at $8.10 per hour and Alyssa Ruhenkamp (second year) at $8.20 per hour. Calen Poeppelman was hired as a summer technology employee at $8.10 per hour and Randy Bruns was hired as a substitute custodian.

Also on Monday, board members,

• accepted a $6,000 donation from the Marion Athletic Boosters toward the cost of a new batting cage. The remaining cost of the $12,000 batting cage will be covered with athletic department funds.

• agreed to pay $200 for membership in the Northwestern Ohio Educational Research Council for the 2016-2017 school year.

• approved a list of 62 prospective graduates for the class of 2016, dependent upon meeting all requirements.

• approved trips for art club students to the April 28 Ohio Governor's Show in Columbus, for agriculture students to the May 5-6 state FFA convention in Columbus and for math and science club students to the University of Dayton and Carillon Park on Friday.

• gave second reading and approved several policy revisions, among them immunizations, conflict of interest and travel-reimbursement guidelines.

• learned from technology coordinator Michelle Mescher that sixth-grade math teacher Marcus Overman is using a free website to review math skills with students. It is a self-paced fantasy math game. "The kids just love it," she said.

• heard high school principal Tim Goodwin congratulate Derek Pierron for being named the school's Franklin B. Walter Award nominee and Troy Bruggeman for winning the recent IT-ET challenge at Rhodes State College. Goodwin also noted prom is April 23, senior awards will be presented May 11 and the spring arts festival is May 15.

• learned from principal Nick Wilker that more than 1,100 people attended the recent fifth- and sixth-grade play. He congratulated Kim Bruns and several of her students for being selected for the St. Marys Art Show. He also thanked Lisa Brunswick, Amanda Schott, Carlee Kremer and Jocelyn Tangeman for the mural nearing completion at the front entrance to the elementary building

• went into executive session to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken after the two-hour session.