The Bellefontaine Board of Education approved a revised tax abatement agreement during their monthly meeting Monday night.

Last month, board members approved the abatement for a proposed 80-bed Cobblestone Hotel next to Mary Rutan Health Center (near Route 33).

A group of investors is funding the project.

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 BCS per year during the abatement.

On Monday, 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, the board accepted the resignations of BHS English Language Arts teacher Jean Minnick, BHS math teacher Mary Smith, and BMS guidance counselor Shawn Congleton.

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. Smith has taught at BCS for 25 years.

Candy Powell resigned as an educational aide, effective February 17th.

Donna Howell was approved as a home instruction tutor.

Madeline Baird, Brandon Gamble, Karis Garcia, Christopher Meyer, and Taylor Ruble were hired as substitute teachers.

Brenda Moon was hired as a food service worker.

Tamara Schneider was hired as an educational aide.

Jason Warner was approved to be a substitute custodian.

John Maurice was approved as an athletic worker.

Teresa Dunn was approved to be an independent contractor for her services as a substitute speech therapist.

The preschool handbook was approved for the '23-'24 school year.

The job description for the high school guidance secretary was approved.

The board approved a resolution authorizing membership to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

The following supplemental contracts were approved:

Steve Henry - Middle School Girls Track Head Coach

Eric Fatzinger - Middle School Boys Track Head Coach

Nathan Arbogast - Middle School Girls Track Assistant Coach

Matt Gallaway - Middle School Boys Track Assistant Coach

James Ball - High School Boys Tennis Assistant Coach

Greg Bryant (high school baseball) and Zoe Price (high school track) were approved as volunteer coaches.

Finally, the board recognized January Seniors of the Month Jordan Butler and Gabriel Foreman along with February Seniors of the Month Kayla Watkins and Corbin Baker.

The next board meeting will be March 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Bellefontaine Elementary School Library.

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

Jordan Butler (left) and Gabriel Foreman

Kayla Watkins (left) and Corbin Baker