Buckskin students are WINning with new program; five-year forecast and financials explained in treasurer presentation 

By Angela Shepherd
GEVS

What I Need (WIN) groups are a new thing at Buckskin Elementary this school year, and according to the information provided in a presentation at the Oct. 13 school board meeting, students are benefitting.

Principal Randy Closson said the idea was introduced by Lindsay Williamson, a math specialist at Buckskin. The rest of the team includes English language arts specialist Alanna Eikenberry, teacher Kelly Bolender, teacher Mackenzie Henson, teacher Carianne Webb, and long-term substitute teacher Tammy Elliott.

Closson noted at the beginning of the presentation that while Buckskin on its report card received three stars overall, gap closing and early literacy were graded at two stars. They wanted a way to improve this, and that is where WIN (What I Need) groups come in.

The basic idea of it all is that fourth- and fifth-grade students are placed in various groups depending on their particular educational needs at the time. As they evolve, their group assignments can be modified so that the instructional needs are met. Basically, educators look at what each student individually needs and they get them that instruction. 

A couple teachers spoke to the board, too, about their experiences with the groups and shared pieces of what students have actually worked on, illustrating the progress that has come from the groups. They noted that it is challenging, but students are rising to the challenges and working together to hone skills in math, reading, and writing. 

Closson noted the WIN groups are still fairly new yet, but educators are “excited” to see where this takes students in their learning journey.

In other business, district treasurer Brad Barber provided a presentation regarding the twice yearly five-year forecast. With house bill 96, the extensive and complex legislation that is the state’s main operating budget for the next two years, changes have come. One of those, Barber said, is that the state will now only require four years forecasted in the twice-yearly requirement, but he will continue with five as it provides more information, he said.

The forecasts, he said, just “look at the general fund,” he said, no other funds. And there are two sides – revenue and expenditures. On the revenue side, there is little control, he said, as it is mostly state and local funds. On the expenditures side of things, this is where the district can make adjustments if and when they are needed. The biggest part of the expenditures, of course, are wages and benefits.

The forecasts are a snapshot of what is known today and are based on historical trends and future assumptions, Barber said. Previously, the treasurer said the forecasts serve as a source of engaging the community and school district in discussions about long-range plans, they are a method for the state to gauge if it needs to become involved or not in a school district’s finances, and they help the district to look at revenue and expenditures and have a plan.

As reported previously, the projections are based on many different variables, like the state budget and income taxes. As those variables become known, the projections are modified accordingly. 

The forecasted balances presented on Monday are: 2026 - $12.36 million, 2027 - $12.15 million, 2028 - $10.75 million, 2029 - $8.09 million, and 2030 - $3.93 million.

If anyone is interested in a deeper dive into the district financials, feel free to contact Barber by calling the central office phone number listed in the last paragraph of the story, or by email at brad.barber@greenfieldmcclain.org.

Advisory council members Savannah Collins and Zaylee Arrington presented a couple items to board members. Collins talked about the recent Family Fitness Fun Night and her part in helping attendees in various ways during the event. It is an annual event with physical and learning activities and focusing on good health practices. 

Superintendent Quincey Gray said it was the largest turnout since the pandemic, and maybe ever. The event is also an opportunity for families to connect with local agencies, she said. 

Arrington spoke about last week’s Opening Night, which was held at the First Presbyterian Church as the McClain auditorium is progressing through a revitalization. She said she was grateful to the church for allowing the event to take place there, and added that the closeness of the venue, versus the openness of the auditorium, gave the whole event a coziness and more of a connected feel to the audience. 

Items on the consent agenda that were accepted by the board include the October fiscal forecast, the appointment of Spencer Bradley to the governing board of Great Oaks Career Campuses, the resignation for the purpose of retirement of longtime Buckskin Elementary teacher Lynette McCray at the end of the school year, the resignation of transportation supervisor and safety director Bradley George effective Oct. 13, 2025, and the resignation of substitute teacher Stacey Beachy.

Employment recommendations approved by board members include Kellie Dhume - bus driver substitute; Amanda Hill - bus monitor substitute; Beth Ann Lewis - cafeteria substitute; Brock Haines - freshman boys basketball; Whitney Vanzant - middle school yearbook; Craig Wise - softball assistant; Jennifer Stroud - girls bowling; Michael Aeh - middle school wrestling; Heath McNeal - boys basketball assistant; Corey Ross - volunteer wrestling assistant; Melody Immel - volunteer wrestling assistant; Brian Knowles - volunteer softball assistant; student workers Brian Mick and Nick Dillon; and certified substitutes Brittany Massie and Beattrice Pettiford.

The next regular session of the Greenfield Exempted Village School District Board of Education is scheduled for Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Greenfield Middle School gymnasium. To keep updated on what is going on in the district, go to greenfield.k12.oh.us or go to the district’s social media pages. The individual buildings also have Facebook pages. The district’s central office may be reached by calling 937-981-2152.