Dear Bath Community,

This May, we will be on the ballot again for our operating levy. This emergency levy has been in existence since 1979. When it first began, it was two smaller levies voted on in back to back years until 2009 when the millage was combined into one larger levy. Since 2009, it has been on the ballot every five years and has passed each time. This emergency levy has been a fixed sum levy, meaning it has been capped at a specific dollar amount ($3,725,182) since inception and the auditor adjusts the millage rate to meet this dollar amount each time. This emergency levy accounts for ¼ of our general fund revenue and pays for day-to-day operating expenses such as salaries, supplies, support services, utilities, etc.
Over the past couple of months, our board of education has been discussing a different type of levy called a substitute levy. A substitute levy would not cost existing taxpayers additional dollars. It is basically “substituting” for the current emergency levy with the same original revenue collection. However, unlike the emergency levy, this substitute levy allows for additional revenue to be collected when a new home and/or business is constructed within the district. Thus, this new type of levy allows us to capture some growth in revenue and not be capped at a fixed amount. Over the past five years, we’ve experienced several opportunities working with the Allen County Economic Development Group in attracting businesses to Allen County and Bath Township. With any new business or expansion coming into our district, Bath schools would reap the benefit from this additional revenue with this new levy. A final major difference between the two levies is that a substitute levy is a continuing levy. It would not have to be voted on again. This is important for our school for a couple of reasons. First, getting approval on this levy provides more assurance for the financial stability of the district moving forward. Presently, with the way in which school funding is configured, we are reliant upon the state’s biennial budget cycle in determining our financial future as we receive almost half of our funding through the state foundation. Second, as stated earlier, our current emergency levy captures an exact amount of revenue and does not account for inflation over time. This substitute levy allows us to still collect the original amount in taxes from taxpayers, but will also allow us to collect additional revenue from any new construction.
We currently have three types of levies in our district. They are a Permanent Improvement levy, a Bond levy and our Emergency Renewal levy that we are replacing with a substitute levy. A graph of our historical pattern of levies is included in this newsletter.
Our permanent improvement levy has been on the ballot since 1987. It has been approved every five years with the most recent approval in November of 2021. Permanent improvement monies may only be spent on items in the district with a lifespan of five or more years. Some examples are replacing roofs, buying buses, technology, stadium project (field turf, fencing, asphalt and home side renovation), paving parking lots, etc. Its current millage rate is 3.25 and generates approximately $600,000 per year. We have dedicated almost $200,000 of this allocation to technology each year.
Our bond levy was passed in March of 2012 at 5.34 mills and runs until 2049. This bond levy paid for the construction of our elementary. The construction project utilized what was called an ELPP project and allowed us a $21 million credit with the state for a future building project. We continue to remain in a holding pattern by the state as to when we may get the approval to apply this credit towards another building project. In the meantime, we continue to maintain our current facilities and plan for the future. We have been meeting with Garmann Miller (architects of our elementary building) this school year to revise our Master Plan for the district so that when we do receive the information we need regarding our credit from the state, we are ready to engage the community about the possibility of a building project.
Our emergency renewal levy has been on the ballot since 1979 and has been up for renewal every five years. As stated previously, this emergency renewal used to be on the ballot in back-to-back years at smaller millage until 2009 when they were merged into one larger levy. This emergency levy has been a fixed sum levy, meaning it has been capped at a specific dollar amount ($3,725,182) since inception and the auditor adjusts the millage rate to meet this dollar amount each time. This emergency levy accounts for ¼ of our general fund revenue and pays for day-to-day operating expenses such as salaries, supplies, support services, utilities, etc. Since 2009, this levy has passed at an average of 61%.

In summary, this substitute levy is the major backbone for financial stability for our district as it generates nearly ¼ of our revenue in our general fund. While it will not raise taxes on existing taxpayers in our district, it will allow us to gain some additional revenue through any new construction on residential and commercial properties. The last time there was an increase in millage and new money was in 2004. We will continue to disseminate information relating to the levy and the master plan through the spring. If you have any questions regarding the levy or master plan, please call the office at 419-221-0807 or email myself at dackinr@bathwildcats.org or Natalie Scott, treasurer at scottn@bathwildcats.org.

Sincerely,

Rich Dackin Superintendent

#WildcatNation #WildcatWay #BleedBlue

LEVY COMMITTEE

Anyone willing to be a member of the levy committee, please contact Missy Vandemark at 419-221-0807 ext. 6147 or at vandemarkm@bathwildcats.org

Bath Local Schools Hall of Fame

Bath Schools Hall of Fame held their inaugural induction in 2019 with six deserving individuals nominated by friends, family, and community members. In 2022, we again inducted six more people to our Hall of Fame. Our next induction ceremony is planned for the winter of 2023-2024. To nominate someone, two letters of support must accompany the nomination form found on our website https://www.bathwildcats.org/HallofFame.aspx and be submitted to Missy Vandemark, at vandemarkm@bathwildcats.org, by July 31st to be considered for the upcoming Hall of Fame induction. Any nominee not selected will be kept on file and considered for future inductions.

To be eligible, the nominee:

1. Must be a Bath High School alumnus or contributing community member. In order for alumni to be nominated, they must have graduated at least twenty years prior to their nomination.

2. Must have received local, state, or national recognition for accomplishments in the category for which they are nominated.

3. Must be of good character and in good standing with the community.

Current Hall of Fame Members:

KRIS BUTLER, Professional Achievement, Class of 1983 PAULETT EBERHART, Professional Achievement, Class of 1971 LAURA FORD, Athletic Achievement, Class of 1976
BOB HEMPKER, Professional Achievement, Class of 1966 JOE KITCHEN, Community Service, Class of 1988 VICKI MAUK, Athletic Achievement, Class of 1976
JOEL MAYERSON, Professional Achievement, Class of 1986 KEN PENHORWOOD, Community Service, 1951-1985 AMY PRICHARD, Athletic Achievement, Class of 1979
GRETCHEN PRICHARD, Professional Achievement, Teacher & Coach 1958-1997 MICHAEL RUMER, Community Service, Class of 1962
JERRY WARD, Professional Achievement, Class of 1960

Bath Local Schools Levy History
Permanent Improvement
Emergency Requirements
Bond Issues
New Emergency
Current Expenses
75% 76.1%
75.5%
70%
70.6%
69.2%
65%
64.9%
64.5%
60%
60.6%
59.7%
61.8%
55%
54.5%
50%
50.8% 49.2%
50.3% 49.7% 51.9%
51.4% 48.6% 53.6%
50.9% 49.1%
45%
48.1%
45.5%
46.4%
40%
39.4%
40.3%
38.2%
35%
35.1%
35.5%
30% New
New
29.4% New
Renewal
Renewal
Renewal
New
New
Renewal
New
New
New
30.8% Renewal
Renewal
Renewal
25%
23.9%
24.5%
Renewal
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Date
Rate
75%
70%
65%
65.6%
60%
57.3%
57.9%
58.0%
58.4%
61.0%
62.3%
59.8%
60.5%
55%
56.5%
54.5%
50% 52.3%
50.9% 49.1%
52.5%
52.5%
53.2%
45%
47.7%
47.5%
47.5%
45.5%
46.8%
40%
42.7%
42.1%
43.5% 42.0%
41.6%
39.0%
37.7%
40.2%
39.5%
35%
34.4%
30% Renewal
Replace
Renewal
Renewal
Replace
Renewal
Renewal
Renewal
Renewal
Renewal
Renewal
New
Renewal
New
Renewal
Renewal
25%
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Date
Rate
75%
70%
65%
60% 60.90%
61.50%
55%
50%
Permanent Improvement
Permanent Improv.
45% Renewal
Renewal
Substitute Levy
Renewal Rate 3.25
Renewal Rate 3.25
40%
39.10%
37.10%
35%
30%
25%
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
2031
Date
May
2018
Nov. 2021
May 2023
Nov. 2026
Rate
11.47
3.25
5/6/58
1
11/8/6
0
11/3/70
1.5
11/5/63
6.3
11/4/69
3
5/2/72
2.8
11/7/72
2.5
3/26/79
4.7
5/8/84
4.7
2/5/85
4.01
5/7/85
4.01
5/5/87
1.25
11/8/88
3.75
11/7/89
4.01
11/5/91
1.25
11/2/93
4.7
11/8/94
4.01
11/5/96
3.25
11/3/98
4.7
11/2/99
4.76
5/8/01
3.92
11/5/02
3.25
3/2/04
11.3
11/2/04
7.7
5/3/05
4.7
5/8/07
3.25
5/5/09
12.1
5/3/11
5.87
11/8/11
3.25
3/6/12
5.34
11/5/13
11.603
11/8/16
3.25

FROM
THE
TREASURER
NATALIE SCOTT
Hello Bath Community,

My role as treasurer is to provide sound financial guidance that assists the district leadership team in the decision-making process. The emergency levy on the ballot this May is vital to the district finances as it generates nearly 25% of our general fund revenue. This existing tax levy collects the same amount of money for the district year after year. The adjustment to our emergency levy will allow the school district to capture some additional revenue while not affecting existing taxpayers. As it stands currently, it is a levy that must be renewed every five years. With the increase in new construction in our district and community support for the levy over the years, the Board of Education and Administration felt it was a pivotal time to transition the levy to a substitute continuing emergency levy. Additional revenue will be generated only on new construction for residential and commercial properties in our district and will not create any new taxes for existing homeowners. In 2009, the cost to the taxpayer of a $100,000 home was $414.75. Today, the cost of this levy to the same taxpayer will be $393.89. If a new home is built in 2024 worth $100,000 they would pay the same $393.89 but that revenue would now be added to the $3,725,182 the other taxpayers already paid to Bath Local School District. This change in the levy allows a minor addition of revenue to be received by the school on new construction without increasing the taxes for existing taxpayers.

The District employs 108 teaching personnel and 86 non-instructional staff including Food Service, Transportation, Secretarial, Custodial, Maintenance, and Educational Aides. We transport 1,409 of the 1,804 students enrolled (including preschool and joint vocational school students), as well as some non-public students. The administrative staff consists in part of the Superintendent, the Treasurer, three Principals and three Assistant Principals. Support services available include a Technology Director, EMIS Coordinator, Guidance Counselors, Nurses, Social Workers, a School Psychologist (contracted through the Allen County Educational Service Center) and Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists (contracted through the Allen County Educational Service Center). Of the Board of Education’s current employees, 115 are professionals (certified by the State Department of Education) serving as classroom teachers, education specialists and administrators, all of whom have at least a bachelor’s degree and 73% of whom hold advanced degrees.

The major sources of revenue to the District come from the state and also through local taxes on real property and personal property tax reimbursements as well as through open enrollment. We also acquire monies through designated state and federal grants provided for food service and special needs classes. Our FY2023 estimates of General Fund expenditures show the majority of our expenses for Wages and Benefits (78%), Services (17%) Materials (2%), Capital (1%) and Other (2%). A more detailed explanation of our finances can be found by accessing our five year forecast on our school website at www.bathwildcats.org Choose Our District, then Administration, then Treasurer to locate our five year forecast.

I would like to take a moment to welcome Brady Hipsher to our Treasurer’s office. Brady will be handling all payroll aspects for the District, and comes to us with payroll experience from his time at the Auglaize County ESC. He is a graduate of USV and has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UNOH.

Finally, a reminder that our Board calendar, Board agenda’s, minutes & meeting recordings can be found on our website. As always, thank you to our community for the continued support of our school, teachers and students. Please reach out with questions or concerns at 419-221-0807 x 6148 or email at scottn@bathwildcats.org.

Natalie Scott, Treasurer

FROM BATH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Registration for Kindergarten at Bath Elementary will begin soon! To be eligible, a child must be 5 years old on or before August 1, 2023. If you have a child who meets this qualification:
-	Visit bathwildcats.org and click on the registration /open enrollment link
-	Create your parent account in FinalForms: https://bath-oh.finalforms.com/
-	Upload the required documents into your FinalForms parent account (or bring to the Elementary Office) o child’s birth certificate (which includes the mother’s maiden name)
o immunization information
o three documents providing proof of residence in the Bath Local School District.
o custody papers (if applicable, including all pages of the document and the judge or magistrate’s signature)

All of these items must be submitted to the elementary office before kindergarten screening takes place. A screening date and time will be scheduled for your student once the above required items are submitted.

The elementary office is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten screening will be held Thursday, May 25, and Friday, May 26, 2023.

FIFTH GRADE QUIZ BOWL
The 2023 Quiz Bowl season is off to an energetic start! A number of fifth graders tried out for the team. The team was set at eight members. The fifth graders are excited to go up against other area teams. They will compete in four matches at Shawnee Middle School. The team has been learning how matches operate and how to work as a team during rounds. The 2023 team members are: Lucas Bensman, Linden Campbell, Mason Fallis, Zora Flanagan-Graham, Kinsey Jordan, Tanner McKinney, Gavin Shaw, and Zandyr Sites. The team is coached by April Neff.

BATH ELEMENTARY SPELLING BEE Congratulations to Bay Petree who finished in first place in the Bath Elementary School Spelling Bee. Bay is the daughter of Dean and Cara Petree. Caleb Blackston, son of Corey Blackston and Krystyen Galvin, was our runner-up and Nora Keifer, daughter of Jeff and Katie Keifer, took third place. Bay, being Bath Elementary School’s winner, will participate in the Allen County Spelling Bee on February 25.

MR. CHRIS RENNER, PRINCIPAL
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)

Our kindergarten students see both Mrs. Neff and Miss Foley for SEL lessons during their specials’ rotation. Topics Mrs. Neff covered this school year include bus safety, personal space, handwashing, sharing, tattling, blurting out, how to make a friend, stranger danger, good touch/bad touch, and career ideas. The rest of the SEL lessons for this school year will mostly focus on identifying feelings, handling strong feelings appropriately, calming strategies, and coping skills. Miss Foley has covered problem solving, calming down, identifying and expressing feelings, positive decision making, and best effort. We love being able to help our kindergartners learn and practice social skills that can help them during their school day.

Fifth graders see Mrs. Neff once during each specials rotation for an SEL lesson as well. Topics covered up to this point in the school year include communication, appropriate apologies, de-escalating conflicts, personal hygiene, identifying anger in our body, and discussing various ways people express anger. We do have two guest presenters coming from PASS to teach about suicide awareness & prevention and vaping education.

Keep an eye out for information regarding upcoming parent presentations that will be held at the elementary school for parents or caregivers.

April Neff, Guidance Counselor	Logan Foley MSW, LSW, School Social Worker

FROM BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL
MR. CAM STALEY, PRINCIPAL

BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL SPELLING BEE

Congratulations to Nevaeh Smith (grade 7) on winning the middle school spelling bee. Gwyn Foust (grade 8) and John Ball (grade 7) were runners up. Nevaeh will compete in the county and regional meets.

You can find breakfast and lunch menu’s by building on our website https://www.bathwildcats.org/FoodServices.aspx
as well as put money on your student’s account.

CAREER EDUCATION & SKILLS

We continue preparing to bring a STEM learning track to the middle school for the 2023-2024 school year. We are on pace to implement a “Design and Modeling” course for all students next year which will focus on basic STEM skills, with plans to add a computer engineering and robotics course over the next three years in a curriculum progression.
John Ball, Gwyn Foust, Nevaeh Smith

ATHLETICS

We had 65 students participate in winter sports programs. Our 8th grade girls basketball team led the way with a 15-1 record and the 7th grade girls had a 12-3 record. The 8th grade boys team posted an 8-7 mark with the 7th grade boys team wrapping up their campaign at 3-12. The boys wrestling team was small, but had some impressive individual performances. Keano Mendez (grade 7) had a 24-1 record with 23 pins, and won the Elida MS Tournament at 122 lbs.

8th GRADE SCHEDULING FOR HIGH SCHOOL

It is hard to believe we are at this point in the school year. Our 8th graders and guidance team are looking toward scheduling for high school classes in 2023-2024. There will be an 8th grade parent meeting on February 22nd at 6:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Any students and parents interested in College Credit Plus (CCP) will
need to stick around at 7:00 PM for additional information.

#WildcatWay

Staff from each grade level nominate two students to serve as monthly #WildcatWay winners. These monthly award winners are treated to lunch at Beer Barrel on Harding Highway. Student nominees for the month of October were Elizabeth Rope (grade 6), Malachi Powell (grade 6), Mackenzie Lenhart (grade 7), Owen Schwarm (grade 7), Olivia Luersman (grade 8), and Leighton Kramer (grade 8). Winners for the months of November/December were Emma Saylor (6), Jayden Bakies (6), Ethan Saylor (7), Penny Francis (7), Celena Miller (8) and Tommy Snyder (8). We owe a special thank you to Good Food Restaurants for helping us recognize
these exceptional students.

2022-2023 Bath Middle School Testing Schedule

6th-8th grade

Monday, April 17th

Tuesday, April 18th

Wednesday, April 19th

Thursday, April 20th

Monday, May 1st

Tuesday, May 2nd

Wednesday, May 3rd

Thursday, May 4th

Monday, May 8th

8th grade English Language Arts Part 1

8th grade English Language Arts Part 2

6th & 7th grade English Language Arts Part 1

6th & 7th grade English Language Arts Part 2

8th grade Math/Algebra Part 1

8th grade Math/Algebra Part 2

6th & 7th grade Math Part 1

6th & 7th grade Math Part 2

8th grade Science Part 1 & 2

ADDITIONAL UPDATES

A middle school ESPORTS club will be launching in the spring with more information to come. LifeWise Academy, a voluntary religious release program, began the week of January 30th. Information can be found at https://www.lifewiseacademy.org/. Currently, 85 students are enrolled
with LifeWise Academy.

	BATH HIGH SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE
		
This year’s Blood Drive is scheduled for Friday
	,
	
March 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the High School Gym
	
and is open to the public. Interested donors may
		
register by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or
		
visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter ‘bathhs’ to schedule an
		
appointment.

	SCHEDULING FOR 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

8th grade parent meeting- Wednesday, February 22 @ 6:00 p.m. in high school auditorium
This meeting is for current 8th grade students and their parents to discuss and answer any questions about the scheduling process and transition into high school.

College Credit Plus (CCP) Information Meeting- Wednesday, February 22 @ 7:00 p.m. in high school auditorium A representative from Rhodes State College will be here to discuss the College Credit Plus Program and answer any questions from students and/or parents who are interested in participation for the 2023-2024 school year.

Student Schedules
Guidance counselors will be meeting with students the week of February 20-23 to discuss scheduling. Students will begin entering next year’s schedules the week of March 6-10.

F

FROM BATH HIGH SCHOOL	MR. BRIAN JESKO, PRINCIPAL

IMPORTANT TESTING DATES

ACT for all JUNIORS state-funded (BHS & Apollo students)
February 28 (make up date is March 14)

Pre-ACT for all SOPHOMORES February 28

EOC Tests
Tues. April 18th – ELA II (Part 1) (2 hr. delay schedule)
Wed. Apr. 19th – ELA II (Part 2) (2 hr. delay schedule)
Tues. Apr. 25th – American History and American Government (Part I & II) (3 hr. delay schedule)
Thur. Apr. 27th – Biology (Part I & II) (3 hr. delay schedule)
Thur. May 4th – Algebra I and Geometry (Part 1) (2 hr. delay schedule)
Fri. May 5th- Algebra I and Geometry (Part 2) (2 hr. delay schedule)

AP English Exam
Wed. May 3rd @ 8:00 a.m. until around noon in the library

h .
				
		GRADUATIO This year’s commencement will 2:00 p.m. at Bath Stadium. Gue ceremony is in the stadium.

In the event of inclement weath the same date in the high school graduate will receive 10 tickets Tickets will be distributed to se graduation practice on Friday, M
	N CLASS OF 2023
take place on Sunday, May 21 @ sts will not need a ticket if the

er, the ceremony will be held on gym. Due to limited seating, eac
only if graduation is moved inside
					
			niors following mandatory ay 19.

SENIOR WEEK ACTIVITIES
The following activities have been scheduled for this year’s Senior Week. We will send additional information to seniors and parents as we approach the end of the school year. Please mark the following dates/times for these events.

Wednesday, May 17- Senior Luncheon @ 12:00, Senior Walkthrough @ 1:45
Thursday, May 18- Senior Awards/Scholarship Recognition @ 8:30 a.m.
Friday, May 19- Senior Breakfast @ 8:30 a.m. (Mandatory) Graduation Practice @ 10:00 a.m. (Mandatory)

PROM 2023
This year’s Prom will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 8:00-11:00 p.m. at 19 Hawthorne.
					
CAREER AWARENESS TRAINING (CAT)
The CAT Program is a senior-only elective course. The goal is for students to gain work-related experiences and learn the skill sets necessary for a career of their interest. Students may be released throughout the school day to participate in hands-on training opportunities. Seniors are currently participating in two career pathways (healthcare and education), and we are seeking additional opportunities for students. Employers who may be interested in a partnership should contact Brian Jesko, HS Principal, at (419) 221-0366 or jeskob@bathwildcats.org.
				
	TUTORING HELP IN THE HIGH SCHOOL
Did you know student members of the National Honor Society offer tutoring during most study hall periods throughout the day? Tutoring is available for any student who needs assistance. Students who are failing any class will be signed up for tutoring during Study Hall. Any other student who would like help must sign up with Mr. Garland. For further

L
	
	information or questions, contact Mrs. Ellington, National Honor Society Advisor, at ellingtonc@bathwildcats.org or 419-221-0366, ext. 2104 or Mr. Garland, Study Hall monitor, at garlandb@bathwildcats.org or 419-221-0366, ext. 2105.

BATH LOCAL SCHOOLS 2650 BIBLE ROAD LIMA, OHIO 45801

BATH HIGH SCHOOL
	BLOOD DRIVE
		
This year’s Blood Drive i
	s
	
scheduled for Friday,
		
March 31 from 9:00 a.m. to
	
2:00 p.m. in the High
		
School Gym and is open to
	
the public. Please see the High School page inside
		
this newsletter for details!

BATH LOCAL SCHOOLS DIRECTORY

BATH ADMINISTRATION Rich Dackin, Superintendent Natalie Scott, Treasurer
2650 Bible Road Lima, OH 45801 (419) 221-0807

BATH ELEMENTARY Chris Renner, Principal Chris Clark, Asst. Principal 2450 Bible Road
Lima, OH 45801 (419) 221-1837

BATH MIDDLE SCHOOL Cam Staley, Principal
Brad Clark, Asst. Principal 2700 Bible Road
Lima, OH 45801 (419) 221-1839

BATH HIGH SCHOOL Brian Jesko, Principal James Fay, Asst. Principal 2850 Bible Road
Lima, OH 45801 (419) 221-0366