BCS Board awards honorary diploma to Phelps

BCS Board awards honorary diploma to Phelps
Posted on 04/18/2022
Bellefontaine School Board

The Bellefontaine Board of Education honored a special graduate during their monthly meeting Monday night.

89-year-old Korean War veteran Chester Clayton Phelps received an honorary diploma from Bellefontaine High School.

Initially, Phelps’ brother was drafted into World War II in 1945.

Chester had to leave school to help his father run the family farm.

In 1952, Phelps was drafted into the U.S. Army and served the required 8-year enlistment in Korea.

Upon his discharge, he farmed for 2 years before beginning a career in construction as a heavy equipment operator.

Phelps, who was joined by family and friends, was given a standing ovation when he received his diploma from BCS Board President Brenda Sanford.

The large group enjoyed cake and punch provided by the board.

The board then recognized Classified Employee of the Year Kristy Feasel.

BHS Principal Dr. Pam Noeth presented the award to the longtime high school aide.

Kristy has been with BCS for 21 years.

She was nominated because of her dedication and compassion to students.

Board members then enjoyed a tour showcasing high school career tech.

Teachers Shawn Miller and Aaron Garver along with seniors Landon Gibbs and Beau Salyer explained various equipment and hands-on learning offered at BHS.

Board members learned about 3D printing, CNC machining, and robotics.

Two state-of-the art robots are used for various processes each day in the classroom.

BHS students have the opportunity to get certified in material handling before graduation.

Companies pay nearly $2,000 for the same classes offered at Bellefontaine. BCS students pay nothing for these courses.

Miller said about 85 percent of the equipment used in the classroom is funded through the Sloan Foundation.

In other action, board members approved the school calendar for next year.

The school year will run from September 6th to May 25th in 2022-2023.

A bus driver shortage prompted BCS to explore other schedule options.

Students will have 163 days instead of the traditional 180 days.

However, the school day will be lengthened in each building.

Benjamin Logan and West Liberty-Salem have adopted similar school calendars.

BCS will host a school bus driver job fair at Bellefontaine Middle School on April 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and May 1st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Bellefontaine has teamed up with Benjamin Logan, Indian Lake, Riverside, Ridgemont, West Liberty-Salem, and Urbana for this event.

You’re encouraged to test drive a bus at the job fair.

Full-time positions are available.

The job is ideal for stay-at-home moms and retirees.

Bellefontaine would like to hire five bus drivers.

For more information, call 937-651-3497.

The board approved the DECA International Conference Trip to Atlanta on April 23rd-26th.

In personnel, several administrative assignments were approved.

Kyle Daring is the new middle school principal. She will succeed Lynda Holycross, who is retiring next March.

Denise Johnson and Jenny Salyer were hired as co-principals at the elementary school.

Johnson will be in charge of Pre-K and kindergarten.

Salyer will oversee 1st-2nd grades.

Longtime BES Principal Pat Martz was hired as the director of special education.

In other personnel, Tabatha Walls resigned as school psychologist effective May 20th.

BHS Custodian Justin Gossard resigned effective April 7th.

BHS Athletic Department Secretary Roxanne Sprouse will retire on November 1st.

Finally, the board recognized March Seniors of the Month Connor Skidmore and Milah Hunt.

The next board meeting will be May 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Distance Learning Center.

Photos: The Bellefontaine Board of Education meets in the Distance Learning Center.

Chester Clayton Phelps receives his honorary diploma from BCS Board President Brenda Sanford.

Classified Employee of the Year Kristy Feasel

Landon Gibbs showcases 3D printing equipment to board members.

Beau Salyer explains how a robot is used in class.

Seniors of the Month Connor Skidmore (left) and Milah Hunt

Chester Clayton Phelps receives his honorary diploma.

Kristy Feasel

Landon Gibbs

Beau Salyer

Connor Skidmore (left) and Milah Hunt
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