FR to implement new program

FORT RECOVERY — The school mission statement talks about creating a culture of collective responsibility.
Superintendent Justin Firks plans to implement a new program to help push toward that and other character-related goals.
Firks gave Fort Recovery School Board a brief overview at its meeting Monday about the new program through the Focus 3 leadership initiative.
The program, which has also been implemented by the Ohio State University football team, focuses on an equation — E (event) + R (response) = O (outcome). It places an emphasis on the “response,” noting that it is the one part of the equation an individual can truly control.
Firks and other school personnel will visit Hilliard City Schools on the east side of Columbus on Oct. 13 to observe how that district has implemented the program for both students and adults.
The program’s goal is to build a positive learning environment.
“That’s what we’re trying to develop here in the school,” said Firks, “and we think it’s going to have a tremendous impact and a powerful outcome on our students and staff."
He said he plans to roll out the program in Fort Recovery over the course of the school year.
In other business, board members Jose Faller, Ginny Fortkamp, Aaron Guggenbiller, Mitch Ervin and Mike Grube:
•Hired Kevin Will (building maintenance/custodial supervisor), Laura Snyder (teacher), Ed Snyder (substitute teacher), Karen Meiring (volunteer drama club advisor), Nick Kallas (volunteer swim coach), Jill Dues (RTI Core Team), Jerry Kaup (baseball coach), Val Fortkamp (junior high girls basketball coach), Samantha Knapke (fifth and sixth grade girls basketball coach) and Ashley Dakin (middle school cheerleading advisor).
•Accepted the resignations of teacher Toby Metzger and non-teaching employee Janelle Braun.
•Transferred $400,000 to the permanent improvement fund from the general fund.
•Agreed to not offer career-technical education to seventh and eighth graders.
•Approved high school fees for the school year. The biggest change was an increase to $45 from $25 for English composition and literature. The increase was because of the requirement for a new textbook for the class, which is offered through Wright State University. Most of the other fees remained unchanged.
•Agreed to return excess funds from flexible benefit plans to employees as taxable income.
•Heard from principal Tracy Hein-Evers that an elementary school open house is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3. It will coincide with the school’s Pint Size Hero blood drive.
•Accepted donations totaling $2,200, including $1,500 to Fort Recovery cheerleaders from the Harvest Jubilee Committee.
•Approved job descriptions for Fort Recovery Local Schools personnel.
•Scheduled a work session to discuss the school district’s five-year financial forecast for 6 p.m. Oct. 18. The board’s regular meeting will follow.