Bellefontaine City Schools Board of Education members meet Monday evening, Oct. 12. (BCS PHOTO)
The Bellefontaine Board of Education accepted the resignation of teacher Brice Henry during their monthly meeting Oct. 12 in the Bellefontaine High School Sloan Distance Learning Center.
Henry resigned as the middle school and high school vocal music teacher, effective Oct. 7.
He also resigned from his supplemental positions as the middle school/high school vocal music director and high school drama adviser on Oct. 7.
Henry, 33, is facing a charge of attempted sexual conduct with a minor following his arrest Sunday, Oct. 4, by officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department at Love’s Travel Stop, 2001 State Route 540, Bellefontaine, as previously detailed in the Chronicle.
He waived his preliminary hearing this week in Bellefontaine Municipal Court and was bound over to the Logan County Common Pleas Court for future proceedings because of the felony charge, court officials report.
The BCS Board issued the following statement after accepting Henry's resignation.
"The allegations underlying the arrest of Brice Henry are deeply disturbing and represent a serious breach of trust and judgment.
"When this Board of Education learned of Mr. Henry’s arrest, the Board was prepared to pursue termination proceedings with the full resources of the district.
"However, after discussing this issue with Superintendent Hall and outside counsel, the Board determined it would be best for the district to pursue Mr. Henry’s resignation, which Superintendent Brad Hall requested and received last week.
"Accepting his resignation allows the Board to end his employment immediately, without the delays, legal expenses, and uncertainty of a lengthy termination process.
"A termination could also open the door to a claim for unemployment benefits, which could impose additional costs on the district.
In addition, at the Board’s direction, Superintendent Hall is preparing a report to the State Board of Education’s Office of Professional Conduct that will include all evidence available to the district.
“Superintendent Hall will advocate for the permanent revocation of Mr. Henry’s teaching license to protect all current and future students," according to the district’s statement.
In other action, the board approved, accepted or extended:
monthly financial reports and a resolution accepting the tax rate certification of the Logan County Budget Commission;
a $40 per day stipend for BCS Transportation Director Tammie Garman; the district is currently dealing with a shortage of regular bus drivers and Garman has agreed to drive a regular bus route while still performing her administrative duties each day;
10 additional vacation days to Marc Stakey's leave balance for the extensive work performed to convert districtwide phone services;
salary adjustments for additional training for the following teachers: bachelor’s plus 18 - Lechelle Raines; master’s plus nine - Amy Treon;
the following resignations: Brenda Moon - food service worker and Tricia Baker, high school OSU-MUN advisor;
the following teachers were approved to serve on the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Building Team: Jill Carey, Shalie Logan, Garrett Reinhard and Bess Standley;
the following staff to serve on the Classroom Behavior Leadership Team: Abby Boop, Sandi Chervenak, Kylie Croston-Hyrtzik, Alicia Dinovo, Eric Fatzinger, Justine Oliver, Susan Stahler, and Heather Wechta;
Tyler Johnson and Sara Stahler as home instruction/tutors;
the following supplemental contracts Marianne Antram, Ellen Verbsky - Pianist Backup; Sandi Chervenak - High School OSU-MUN Adviser; Jacqueline Godsey – Head High School Softball Head; Laney Mitchell - High School Vocal Music (Les Fons Director); Brian Timpe - High School & Middle School Vocal Music;
the following volunteer coaches: Dorian Frampton - Middle School Math Counts; Anastasia Hiatt, Trinity Floyd, Anna Hogan, Charlie Ligus - Les Fons; Zavier May - High School Wrestling; Kati Simpson - Middle School Cheer;
a donation of $215 from John & Deborah McGowan, Tonya Haley, Mickey Shoffner, Stephen & Joanne Snyder, Lisa Sulich, and Lori Moots in memory of Brenda Snyder; and
recognized October Seniors of the Month Jaylinn Foulk and Jacob Moreland. They each received an achievement pin and a $15 gift card to Ron’s Pizza.
The next meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in the Sloan Distance Learning Center at BHS.
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