By Jordan Studer
CCN Reporter

NORTH ROBINSON ­­— Colonel Crawford Local Schools recently approved the hiring of several new employees to their staff at its June board of education meeting Monday evening.

Among the hires were Dan Gorbett as head high school baseball coach and Sherry Dawson as a new intermediate school teacher. Gorbett brings 33 years of experience to the diamond and Dawson brings a passion and energy for the classroom.

Superintendent Todd Martin expressed the staff’s confidence in adding Dawson to their teaching team.

“She’s got a lot of energy,” Martin said. “In interviews she had a lot of energy. She tables that energy and brings it. I think we are going to be in great shape.”

Martin commented that Dawson’s work ethic is shown by her work history. Dawson previously worked for Tiffin City Schools and also has served at Clear Fork Local Schools.

A rural girl herself, Dawson was in search for a rural school district and Colonel Crawford met that need.

“We were the perfect fit for a rural country girl. So, it should be a good fit, we’re excited to have her,” expressed Martin.

An energy audit meeting with Brewer-Garret also took place that evening, showing the board that their goal savings amount was exceeded.

It was explained that the district previously had decided to do a House Bill 264 Project,  updating the boilers, lighting and other items. According to Martin, each year, Brewer Garret must guarantee the goal savings of $60, 534 and if they haven’t done that, they have to pay the difference.

This year’s savings came in at $73, 221. With that savings, the two-year tally so far is $143, 726 that the district has been saved by going to this energy upgrade.

The approval of tutor contracts for Summer Boot Camp also took place. Summer Boot Camp is an proactive attempt to continually boost graduation rates. Students who scored low on the end-of-course exams that are needed to graduate are recommended for the boot camp.

It was described that the Summer Boot Camp is a week of intensive work on the material the students need extra help or refreshing on. At the end of the boot camp, students will be tested on the material to provide them an opportunity to get the points they need to graduate.

In other board news, a renewal agreement with Sports Safe Testing Incorporation, of Powell, was approved for the random testing of all students driving to school and all student athletes in grades 7-12. Athletic Director David Sheldon was happy to report that among the 365 random drug tests administered, there were zero positive results.

During the public’s opportunity to speak to the board, Gordon Grove brought forth some important information. Grove, a former officer for the Colonel Crawford Athletic Boosters Club, who currently is involved with the Colonel Crawford Youth Baseball Program, wanted to provide the board with a quick update of improvement ideas that have been in the works.

After being approached by two Colonel Crawford alumni, his son, Matthew Grove, and Steven Rittenour, they collectively got a few more individuals involved to gather ideas and take action to improve the youth program.

Grove said that many individuals deserve credit and recognition for their dedication to the youth baseball program. Among the individuals mentioned, was Greg Carmen who has spent many years and long hours to keep the program running.

The death of a previous head of the youth baseball program when it began, Tim Staiger, motivated Gordon Grove and the others to bring the program back to its once high standing.

“We decided to step up not only as a family, but as a community to try and improve the little league and baseball program,” Gordon Grove explained.

He mentioned how the beginnings of improvements to the fields have taken place. A donation of a new concession stand also has occurred. According to Gordon Grove, multiple new ideas are in the works, including the discussion of partnering with the Bucyrus Youth Baseball Program to add additional teams for the game schedule.

“We’re hoping to make the youth baseball program very competitive and hope to see it grow next year,” Gordon Grove said.

A few resignations were accepted during the meeting. The resignations included Joe Swartzmiller as head high school boys’ baseball coach, Jared Thew as a fifth grade teacher and Shaun Shotwell as band director.

During a discussion of financial transfer requests, it was mentioned that a record number of 47 or 48 students were accepted to the Colonel Crawford Preschool program. The board was excited to see that more students are being prepared to be “little eagles.”

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for July 23 at 7 p.m.