Altimus Retires from Football Coaching after 24 years

The district uses Facility Management Express software for preventative maintenance planning, scheduling and documentation of inspections and maintenance activities. Public School Works software was also implemented to document staff safety training. The district is in the middle of a security upgrade at the bus garage to completely fence the perimeter of the bus storage area and service garage to prevent theft and damage. They have planned a school staff in-service for August 2018 utilizing OSP Risk Managers and the local Sheriff to review school entry procedures and school security measures. The district truly embodies actively managing their risk.

The Antwerp Local School Board met on Thursday, December 20 for the regular meeting. Vantage Report:

December 6, Vantage had a meeting as reported by Dennis Recker. Antwerp had 4 students: Jacob Savina, Sayge Bonifas, Jared Sukup and Joshua Sukup who were named as Blue Chippers. Bob Herber will start teaching an adult education course in Fire Fighting at Vantage.

Treasurer Report:

Christine Stuart said the Antwerp income was $558,379.41, Expenses were $1,098,089.92, and Interest $13,397.84. She said there were 3 payrolls in the November month and that offset the income.

HS Principal Report:

Travis Lichty gave his report and the testing retakes were able to be completed. Madison Peters won for the opportunity to represent Antwerp at Paulding County Spelling event at February 7 at 7:00 p.m. for at Payne Elementary School. Antwerp is going to have an Archer mascot soon. It will be a very nice outfit that is ventilated. Dr. Miller asked if there would be a competition to name the mascot. The band uniforms should be ready by the Florida trip. Lichty thanked the boosters of the various groups who helped make this happen. Drew Altimus is retiring from football coaching after this year. Mr. Lichty announced his appreciation for all that Altimus has done over the years for the football program.

“Drew has served our district as the football coach for the past 24 years.  During that time period, the Archers celebrated 96 victories.  Drew is a member of the breed of “old school” coaching, tough but fair, kind and unassuming, devoid of ego yet well-respected and possessing genuine compassion for his players not simply as a means to an end but to teach life long lessons. Drew had a knack to enhance the confidence  of his players.  Wins were not as important as wanting to win. I along with many who know Drew, admire his character and his reputation, his love for his family and his school.

“Perhaps Drew’s most paramount lesson he passed on to his players and staff was to treat everyone as if they belong and matter regardless how insignificant they might appear.” stated Dr. Miller.

December 27 & 28th – at Edgerton for the boys Route 49 tournament. 

Elementary Principal Report: Principal Stokes reported that the fifth grade band did well at the concert and so did the 6-12. ELE testing turned out very good and they are 74% passing for the end of year test. They did better than the previous year. DARE starts in January. 

Superintendent Report:

Dr. Miller said the fencing should be installed next week around the discus area. Miller has met with the architects for the concession plaza area. The bids hopefully will be coming in soon. There has been some electrical shorts in the parking lot lights. Mr. Gottke is meeting with the solar panel people on December 20th in Carmel, Indiana. Antwerp school received a check for Proactive Risk Management to limit the number of liabilities at the school. 

The board of Directors received $1000.00 for being selected as being a Safe School. Miller also said they are working on getting cameras on the bus and they are writing a grant for this and a deep clean carpet cleaner. The donation of Stop the Bleed kits came from ProMedica. They also provided training for the staff. Dr. Miller will be leaving for China in late January. 

The next school board meeting will be Tuesday, January 8th at 5:00 p.m.