Superintendent's Update

As we wrap up another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve experienced and accomplished together. This year was filled with growth, learning, and countless moments of pride, but it also ended in deep sorrow with the tragic loss of two recent graduates Jack Rowland and Brayden Sadler. While the pain of that loss is still fresh, I am truly comforted by the way our students, staff, and community came together in support of one another. In those difficult moments, we saw the true meaning of OtsegoStrong.

To our staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and care throughout the year. To our parents and families, thank you for your partnership and constant support. And to our community, thank you for always being there for our schools. It truly takes a village, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

It’s hard to believe the school year is already over. While summer may seem like a break, it’s a busy time on campus. Each building will be thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and prepared to welcome everyone back in August. We’ll be sharing important updates throughout the summer regarding registration, back-to-school days, and more, so please be sure to check your email periodically.

Wishing you all a safe, relaxing, and fun summer you’ve earned it!

#OneHeartbeat Go Knights!

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year through FinalForms officially opens June 2nd and we encourage all families to complete their registration as soon as possible, but before July 10, 2025. Alternate Transportation forms are due by July 10, 2025.

If you do not have a Parent account already, you will need to create one.

Returning parents: If any of your information has changed (ie: email address, phone number, etc.) PLEASE make sure to update this information during the registration process. We use this information for our correspondence throughout the school year.

Please do not wait until the last minute, early registration helps us plan more effectively for staffing, class sizes, transportation, and student needs.

Why register early?

• Ensures your child is scheduled and placed appropriately
• Helps avoid delays in transportation and class assignments
• Gives our staff the time needed to prepare for a smooth start to the school year
• Allows you to update medical, contact, and emergency information in advance

You should have received an email from FinalForms with instructions and reminders. The process is simple, and your prompt attention is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for helping us start the year strong by completing your registration early!

FINAL FORMS LINK (Click here to enroll)

TUTORIAL VIDEO for Final Forms registration

We are excited to announce that beginning next school year, Otsego Local Schools will be transitioning from the current Intouch Instant Alert System to a new platform called ParentSquare. This move is part of our continued efforts to streamline communication and improve the way we connect with families across the district.

What is ParentSquare?

ParentSquare is a unified communication platform designed to keep parents and guardians informed and engaged. It provides a safe and secure way for schools to send out district-wide alerts, building-level updates, classroom messages, and reminders—all in one place. It supports email, text, app notifications, and even voice alerts.

Why are we switching?

We’re making the move to ParentSquare because it allows for more consistent, interactive, and user-friendly communication. ParentSquare brings together all types of school communications (emergency alerts, attendance notices, calendar updates, forms, and more) into one streamlined system making it easier for families to stay connected and informed.

What do I need to do?

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sending out details on how to sign up and download the free ParentSquare app. Stay tuned for instructions and support to ensure a smooth transition. We want every family to be ready when the new system goes live in August!

We’re confident this new tool will help strengthen the connection between home and school and make communication more efficient and effective for everyone. Thank you for your continued support!

• FAMILY WEEK - June 27th - July 7th

Coming Soon...

Governor Mike DeWine has announced that Ohio’s 2025 Sales Tax Holiday will run for a full two weeks this year from Friday, August 1st through Thursday, August 14th. This expanded holiday allows families to save money on a wide range of purchases as they prepare for back-to-school season and other household needs.

Key Highlights:

Dates: August 1 at 12:00 a.m. through August 14 at 11:59 p.m.

• Electronics (e.g., TVs, computers)

• Clothing and books

• Furniture, kitchenware, and home goods

• Sporting goods

• Dine-in food and non-alcoholic beverages
  
  

Exclusions: No tax exemption for:

• Motor vehicles, watercraft, or outboard motors

• Alcohol, tobacco, vapor products, or items containing marijuana

• Services
  

Additional Notes:

• Online sales qualify as long as the order is placed and paid for during the holiday.
• Items typically sold as a set must be sold that way.
• No splitting to qualify for tax exemption.
• Be mindful of shipping charges, returns, and exchanges, rules apply depending on timing and item type.

Note: If an item costs more than $500, the entire amount is taxable. Items typically sold as a unit must remain bundled to qualify.

This marks the first time Ohio’s sales tax holiday will last two full weeks. Previous years were shorter due to concerns about lost revenue, but 2024's costs were lower than expected paving the way for this extended relief.

Why It Matters:

This expanded window is a meaningful way to support Ohio families, helping them stretch their dollars further on essential purchases for school and home.

This is a great time to make back-to-school purchases or take advantage of savings on everyday items. For more details or business guidance, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website or call 1-888-405-4039.

Otsego prides itself on hiring the very best candidates to work with and for our children.

We accept applications year-round, via our online application system. All applicants, internal and external, must fill out an application via our Certified or Classified Application Google Form in order to be considered for any position with Otsego Local Schools.

CLICK HERE to View our Open Positions

Once you have applied for a position by filling out the application and submitting it, we will contact you if you are chosen for an interview. If you have any questions or issues applying please contact Lisa Austin, Central Office Administrative Assistant (laustin@otsegoknights.org)

CLICK HERE for the online Spirit Store

President: Brad Anderson banderson.otsego@gmail.com

Vice President: James Harter jameslharter@gmail.com

Board Member: Gordon Digby gdigby44@gmail.com

Board Member: Jessica Mehl jmehl.jd@gmail.com

Board Member: Mark Tolles mdt814@cs.com

March 27, 2025

After consultation with the administrative staff, the Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the following personnel recommendations:

Approve the substitute teacher list as submitted by the Wood County ESC

Retirement Resignation:

Scott Bernthisel, junior high teacher, effective May 30, 2025

Ginger Caris, junior high teacher, effective May 30, 2025

Rick Rowe, bus driver, effective June 3, 2025

Lisa Wensink, junior high teacher, effective June 1, 2025

Resignation:

Donna Baker, bus driver, effective March 22, 2025

Megan Rutherford, junior high teacher, effective July 31, 2025

Unpaid Leave Requests:

Justine Tolles - 1 day April 7, 2025

Brooke Riley - 1 day May 2, 2025

Administrative Contracts:

Thomas Ferdig, Jon Rife, Denton Saunders

District Nurse Contract:

Kylee Euler

Certified Employees’ One-Year Limited Contract for the 2024-2025 School Year:

N/A

Substitute Teacher Contracts for the 2024-2025 School Year:

Rachel Coy

Classified Employees’ One-Year Limited Contract for the 2024-2025 School Year:

N/A

Classified Substitutes for the 2024-2025 School Year:

Abby Benschoter (custodian & bus driver)

Supplemental Contracts for the 2024-2025 School Year:

Nikolas Encalado , Assistant HS Track Coach

Trent Soto, 0.4 Assistant Wrestling Coach

School Year Volunteers for 2024-2025:

Jesse Alfaro, Mackenzie Lake

Certified Employees’ One-Year Limited Contract for the 2025-2026 School Year:

Alexa Williams, Intervention Specialist - Bachelors/Step 0

Supplemental Contracts for the 2025-2026 School Year:

Jeremy Koehler, Head Volleyball

Steve has served as the Treasurer of Otsego for six years, following a nine-year stint teaching business and accounting at both Otsego and Springfield. Steve completed his undergrad and Masters degree at Bowling Green State University. He, along with his wife Jenna, resides within the district, and all four of their children are enrolled as students in Otsego, ranging from preschool to 8th grade. In his free time, Steve dedicates his time to coaching our Boy's Basketball team and enjoys time with his family.

Email: scarroll@otsegoknights.org
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

The official start of the filing season is here - January 27, 2025! The Internal Revenue Service is reaching out to taxpayers this filing season to make certain that eligible families are claiming their tax credits when including dependents on their tax returns.

Child Tax Credit (CTC): The CTC is a credit that may reduce your tax by as much as $2,000 for each child who qualifies you for the credit. To qualify, the child must be a U.S. citizen under age 17; have a Social Security number; be claimed as a dependent on the taxpayer's tax return; and more. Use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to determine eligibility: Does my child/dependent qualify for the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents?. For more information please see: Child Tax Credit.

Other Dependent Credit (ODC): The ODC is a credit that may reduce your tax by as much as $500 for each eligible dependent. The person is claimed as a dependent on your return; the person can’t be used by you to claim the CTC or Additional CTC; the person was a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien. Again, use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool to determine eligibility: Does my child/dependent qualify for the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents?.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): One refundable tax credit for moderate- and low-income families is the Earned Income Tax Credit. The IRS estimates there are millions of workers who qualify but don't claim the EITC - missing out on thousands of dollars every year. The EITC is as much as $4,213 when claiming one child, $6,960 when claiming two children, and $7,830 when claiming three or more children. Use the EITC Assistant to learn if you're eligible for the tax credit. For more detailed information see: Publication 596, Earned Income Credit and Who Qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Child and Dependent Care Credit: Taxpayers who paid someone to care for their child, spouse or dependent so they can work, be a full-time student or look for work may be able to reduce their tax by claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit. The total expenses that you may use to calculate the credit may not be more than $3,000 (for one qualifying individual) or $6,000 (for two or more qualifying individuals). Use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool: Am I Eligible to Claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit? For more information please see: Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses or Topic no. 602, Child and Dependent Care Credit

American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): The AOTC is a credit that may reduce your tax by as much as $2,500 for each eligible student for the first four years of higher education. The AOTC can be claimed for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent claimed on your return. See Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, or use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool "Am I Eligible to Claim an Education Credit?" to help you determine if your education expenses qualify for a tax benefit.

Note: The actual credit amounts will be determined by a taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email or call, Nichelle Gray IRS Liaison, Area 3.

Athletic Passes

Pay-To-Participate - Click Here

Our athletics and extracurricular programs are gearing up for another fantastic year. Participation in these is a great way to build teamwork and school spirit. If you would like to purchase athletic passes or pay your participation fees use the links below. There will be tables set up at our Back-To School Day for this as well. The league has raised ticket prices for entrance into events starting this year.

• Varsity Contests (Including double and triple headers)

• Adults $8

• Students/Senior Citizens $5
  
  

• Stand Alone Freshman and JV Contests and Junior High Contests

• Adults $6

• Students/Senior Citizens $4

Email: ebires@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Dear Parents,

As the school year progresses, I wanted to remind you about a few important items regarding your child's lunch account:

• Free and Reduced Lunch Applications: If you haven't already, please consider applying for free or reduced-price lunch. This can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for your child's meals. You can find applications on our school website or by contacting the school office.
• Monitor Your Child's Account: Please make sure to check your child's lunch account balance regularly. This will help you ensure that they have sufficient funds to purchase their meals. If you need to add funds, you can do so online or by sending in a check or cash.
• Questions or Concerns? If you have any questions about your child's lunch account or the lunch program, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to assist you in any way I can.
  
  

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

I am pleased to announce that since lunches are no longer free to all students through federal funding we are bringing this account back. At this point, the account has a zero balance. If you are interested in donating to the Pay It Forward program please contact Emily Bires, ebires@otsegoknights.org or Kevin O'Shea, koshea@otsegoknights.org.

Checks are made payable to the Otsego Board of Education. If you send money in, just make sure you put on the memo or a note that says Pay It Forward - Lunch

Wellness Implementation Survey

Schools alone cannot develop students' healthy behaviors and habits with regard to eating and exercise. It will be necessary for not only the staff, but district stakeholders to be involved in a community-wide effort to promote, support, and model such healthy behaviors & habits. Click the link above and give us your feedback.

Email: evasher@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: kyeuler@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381

Email: ldunham@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: sbihary@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: jweatherwax@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 419-823-4381

Email: lswartz@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381
Twitter: @OtsegoTv

Technology Integration Specialist

Email: jmartinez@otsegoknights.org
Website: Click Here
Location: 18505 Tontogany Creek Road, Bowling Green, OH, USA
Phone: 4198234381

OES Extended Care is available for students aged 5 through the summer before entering 6th grade. There is a $10.00 per family yearly registration fee for the OES Extended Care Program. The registration fee will be applied from June 1 to May 31 each school year and will be charged to the credit card on file. If you are registering your child for the summer program you will not be required to pay an additional registration fee for the coming school year.

Contact Info and Hours

phone: (419)823-4381 ext 4408

email: extendedcare@otsegoknights.org

Summer: June 10th - August 9th

• Hours are 7am-6pm
• Closed June 19th & July 3-5

School Year 2024-25: August 21 (first day)

The program follows the school calendar

• Before School ~ 6:30 a.m. to THE START OF SCHOOL
• After School ~ END OF SCHOOL to 6:00 p.m.

In the event of a school cancellation after a two-hour delay, OES Extended Care will remain open. If school closed before 6:30, Extended Care is closed also.

Pricing and Registration Info

The hourly rate charged is $3.50 per hour for the first child, $2.00 per hour for the second child, and $1.50 per hour for the third child and any additional children. The hourly rate is billed to the quarter-hour. The Credit Card form in the registration packet MUST be filled out in order to register.

The Credit Card Form will be used to pay your Extended Care amount.

Please print out the registration form (all 5 pages MUST be completed in their entirety) and send it to the elementary school office, attention: Becky Hatfield.

Registration for 2024-2025 will be available on May 13th on the Elementary Website or in the Elementary Office.

Questions may be emailed to:

Billing: Steve Carroll 419-823-4381 extension 1101 or scarroll@otsegoknights.org

Becky Hatfield 419-823-4381 extension 4401 or bhatfield@otsegoknights.org

Registration: Becky Hatfield bhatfield@otsegoknights.org

Please send me any and all community events that you might know of. I love sharing things in and around our great community.

Click Here to download PDF of see images below.

The Otsego Local School District would like to take the time to thank all of our generous sponsors who support our students, staff, and community. Click on the links below to support our sponsors. If you are interested in advertising with us and would like more information, please contact me at koshea@otsegoknights.org or 419-823-4381 ext. 1102

1. District Website CLICK HERE The Otsego Local Schools website will more effectively highlight what is important to us and the community. We keep the site updated with pictures, news articles, and other important information regarding the district and our buildings.

2. Twitter follow @Otsego_Supt

Our district is proud to present a comprehensive Community Resources Book, developed collaboratively by our staff following professional development with Ruby Payne's Bridges Out of Poverty. This valuable resource provides essential information on emergency services, local council members, and a variety of programs available within our community. It is designed to assist individuals and families in accessing the support they need, empowering our community members and promoting well-being throughout our district.

CLICK HERE

Recent polls show that parents’ first concern about schools today is their child’s safety. That is my concern as well. Fortunately, the Otsego is very safe. However, no community is immune from the threats of violence and drugs that endanger public schools nationwide.

We are introducing a Safe School Helpline® to help prevent such actions. It is designed to assist you in reporting any wrongdoing that impacts our schools, our students, or our staff – anonymously, so as to protect your privacy. For example, you may wish to report acts of violence, theft, drug or alcohol use, weapons, or sexual harassment.

Just call from a touch-tone phone to 1-800-4-1-VOICE, ext. 359 (418-6423) to leave your information. Or TEXT: 614-426-0240 Then type: TIPS Your message will not be traced, and you will not be identified. The Safe School Helpline® team will transcribe and fax your message to school officials, so appropriate action can be taken.

Thank you for your continued support to provide a better education for all Otsego students.

800-418-6423 (800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359)

TEXT: 614-426-0240

Then type: TIPS

www.safeschoolhelpline.com