MADISON — The Madison Local Schools Board of Education approved the creation of a new elementary art teaching position at its Wednesday night board meeting.
Superintendent Rob Peterson said the move was long overdue.
“I don’t know that we’ve ever had it at the elementary level, as far as I know. Maybe if you go way, way back,” he said. “I think that the more things that kids are exposed to that they might get excited about, I think it benefits our students.”
Athletic Director Doug Rickert attended the meeting with the girls soccer team. The squad was recognized for their state championship win last November. He commended the players, coaches and parents for persisting through the pandemic.
“During this horrible time, what you guys gave us was just something that we’ll never ever forget,” he said. “Through of all the bad that was going on and all the people sick and people even dying, you guys gave us some hope and it was just amazing what you guys were able to accomplish.”
Rickert also pointed out that the team’s work ethic is evident both on and off the field — the girls boast an average grade point average of 3.6.
During his report, Peterson recognized three outgoing retirees — middle school secretary LuAnn Oglesbee, high school social studies teacher Todd Cortelletti and middle school English language arts teacher Lori Stevenson.
Peterson told the board that Oglesbee has worked for the district for 11.5 years.
Cortelletti is a 34-year educator with 22 years at Madison Local Schools. In addition to teaching, he’s coached boys tennis and served as advisor to the mock trial team.
Stevenson has spent 33 years in the district, working at both Madison South Elementary and Madison Middle School. Peterson said she had also served as a department head.
The board also met in executive session to prepare for, conduct or review negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment and to consider the discipline of a public employee or official.
