[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6272944,"mediaKeyId","3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb","parentId",3006542,"title","Parents and students urge MSD Steuben County to preserve Angola High School agriculture program and FFA","audioSeconds",1179,"startMs",85000,"endMs",1264000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb&start=85&end=1264","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb/thumbnail_85000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6272944/Indiana/Parents-and-students-urge-MSD-Steuben-County-to-preserve-Angola-High-School-agriculture-program-and-FFA","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272944-da221eccbdd73af655d6bfe12371d30f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068881&Signature=a1cvfcGjmIU3A9NBwwE8PAxiBw0BjHHCbmdXNzEXF3S9TFjX~dOOrzbEkrFje83m0ke-5v0nyF5PpbY957qaj6E4Xe9y9qk1QOGMDJARVrgli~6nLf5Vv9-JPhLDRbe66QE0vgeO8cpAJu2OKNVBG9wy2dXWUQPX9~Fb5a3AbjhYIEYD6wlLbNcdBFuCo3Bxe6JLUJDrL6WpvhklcEqr25L2thGdgh3p-xCW5DQNF5869iJunbegP-ez~N1o7KtvUNUmzguQEbQj1zoZWLg4t5aE7T3dskejoks105fucdYugcO4RrTLwc83hXVquusZEYhKOdhNMCXMNDacm~~QVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MSD Steuben County","date","2025-04-16T09:02:18.297Z","article","At the MSD Steuben County school board meeting, parents, students and alumni urged the district to keep Angola High School’s agriculture program and its FFA chapter amid scheduling changes and concern that the program may not be reinstated for next year.

“I am Julie Fetch, a parent of a student who is in the AG program. I am here to support the agriculture program,” Julie Fetch told the board, saying guidance counselors had changed student schedules and that the ag teacher position “has not been posted to my knowledge.”

Supporters told the board the program provides leadership, career skills and dual-credit opportunities. “Ag classes allow more hands on and experiential learning for kids,” said Amelia Walker, a junior and president of the Angola chapter of FFA. “Every week we do public speaking in that class.”

The students and parents described the program as a retention tool for students who do not fit the traditional classroom model. “FFA kept them in school and made them keep going,” Julie Fetch said of multiple students; alumnus Troy Sellers said FFA “helps you build leadership … character, integrity.”

Students and officers described practical elements of the pathway: Brooke Clark, vice president of Angola FFA, said the high school offers three ag classes plus an agricultural capstone that counts as a supervised agricultural experience (SAE). “You have to be enrolled in one of those classes” to participate in FFA, she told the board.

Board and staff responses at the meeting made clear the district had not placed the program “on the block” that evening but was reviewing numbers and staffing. A district administrator said the high school was “in the middle of staffing right now” and that, if posted, the position might be limited to a half-time arrangement (three to four periods) because current enrollment projections are low. The administrator added that if the district could not find a licensed agricultural teacher, the board would need to direct staff whether to continue running the classes or to reshuffle students into other course options.

Board member questions and staff remarks emphasized logistics and next steps rather than a final decision. The superintendent thanked speakers and said board members did not want to “limit” opportunities while staff explored options. The district encouraged families to meet with guidance counselors so schedule choices reflect diploma requirements and course availability.

No formal vote was taken on the agriculture program at the meeting. Board members and staff said they would continue to evaluate enrollment, teacher licensing and possible partnerships with nearby schools as they finalize next year’s schedules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","april2024 Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the MSD Steuben County school board meeting, parents, students and alumni urged the district to keep Angola High School’s agriculture program and its FFA chapter amid scheduling changes and concern that the program may not be reinstated for next year.","taxTitle","MSD Steuben County, School Boards, Indiana","taxId",76368,"location","Indiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6272929,"MSD Steuben County recognizes six Teachers of the Year across district schools",475,1483000,1958000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb&start=1483&end=1958","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb/thumbnail_1483000.jpg","/articles/6272929/Indiana/MSD-Steuben-County-recognizes-six-Teachers-of-the-Year-across-district-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272929-47fecdb5ebc70edf24ed0edf86f7d00e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068881&Signature=YHTZuhULVu-FKfVBWgXCdNPKfcWdsqDTVJYH7f6SWztHyhaiD8N75uqtZEgOJ7V9OQubSwv7cE~0MWMfKerP3yZCUKdDxjUMwGgyfpApN-eU8beXsi6T~TThxUnnfRDCUn6CyO94bZlaFPPWAp4YL~bM8Wvfy4tGN6ln9hYdOBYahiQ0AEVgd9UCM2Z36c~59SWqcW6Fcgue1orOdqxUgNFNNPBvaZtVZGjKuMQ~~f~k5-2nb1WxgcnoHBd5c8tYlZllEOq3fZH7lE8eiY1hHXDRH0gmjwfVUWNlDNNzLM5rfAPys9pm5kI3OrRUuO1KLIsNl4SrLbVzZrqTugnlrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The MSD Steuben County superintendent recognized six Teachers of the Year at the board meeting, naming educators from each district building and briefly summarizing their experience and contributions.

Superintendent Dr. Weidenhofer introduced the honorees and invited them forward to receive plaques and recognition. The district presented:

- Rossen Hammond, Angola Middle School — sixth-grade social studies and multimedia teacher (AMS teacher of the year).

- Jennifer Dowell, Angola High School — algebra and AP statistics teacher (AHS teacher of the year). “Teaching is everything to me and having the chance to live out my childhood dream and teach the next generation is a dream come true,” Dowell said.

- Samantha Newhart, Henry Park Elementary — second-grade teacher and district elementary instructional coach (Henry Park teacher of the year).

- Alexis Lochmiller, Pleasant Lake Montessori — early elementary teacher (Pleasant Lake Montessori teacher of the year).

- Mallory Hartman, Ryan Park Elementary — kindergarten teacher (Ryan Park teacher of the year).

- Dawn Rau, Carlin Park Elementary — fourth-grade teacher (Carlin Park teacher of the year).

The superintendent said the recognition was an opportunity to “brag a little” about outstanding teachers across the district and invited the honorees for a group photo before moving on to the rest of the agenda.","Superintendent Dr. Weidenhofer presented six Teachers of the Year from across the district, naming teachers at Angola High School, Angola Middle School, Henry Park, Pleasant Lake Montessori, Ryan Park and Carlin Park elementary schools and summarizing their backgrounds and subjects.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6272934,"Votes at a glance: MSD Steuben County board approves routine minutes, claims, personnel items, funds and program requests",1070,1326000,2396000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb&start=1326&end=2396","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb/thumbnail_1326000.jpg","/articles/6272934/Indiana/Votes-at-a-glance-MSD-Steuben-County-board-approves-routine-minutes-claims-personnel-items-funds-and-program-requests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272934-dc6a915dd5b82d50b1222d7c47d614ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068881&Signature=TlsDQQP4HTSKPwI8y9qrZxaunH42f5pwBmNrMAfygJm3aUVTW549BYcRdeXLD-Ie9Mlk7RoBbOiJeA-DIMIrSvC0Z72CYTzi4eG6OHcKZnUbjtEp63OcrYld8g4lgMbKxMoOZPFYUm89iJQcpsqi-QPTj88UKx9V3DkOJxY2tafktaQSqLZp61WMleszSqFh23UZ29M~7wJ~uNdUbkRPBWsigQ1Yrj9kPnr0DUGDB~XY6IrHPfEWXdynxZ7MX3jl~5rDi0iDFdPhLpP~wxXvyL8VjgJxGTg~1QNadRgNiXONl~p7nrecJf-t8BDEJt4Lqes6cRqMk8pO2pUGaABVZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The MSD Steuben County school board approved a series of routine and new-business items during the meeting by roll-call or voice votes. Items approved included minutes from the previous meeting, claims, personnel considerations, declaring select library books obsolete, out-of-state field trips, acceptance of foundation funds, textbook approvals for dual-credit courses, and a grant application for a digital intervention program.

Key approvals and outcomes:

- Approval of minutes from the March 18 regular meeting: motion passed on roll call, members present voting yes included Beard, Caswell, Maggart, Poore, Ridenour and Sturry.

- Approval of claims: motion passed by roll call with the same members voting yes.

- Personnel considerations (retirements, resignations, appointments, reassignments and a title correction for a special education coordinator): motion to approve carried by roll call; the board approved the personnel slate as presented.

- Permission to declare select books obsolete and purge/update library collections: motion approved by roll call.

- Out-of-state travel requests: Ryan Park kindergarten trip to the Children’s Museum in Coldwater, Michigan, and an Angola University visit to Ann Arbor (University of Michigan) were approved.

- Acceptance of $14,600 from the Steuben County Foundation to support Early Learning Center Montessori certification and professional development: motion approved by roll call.

- Textbook approvals: three additional texts for dual-credit U.S. history (two texts) and dual-credit government (one text) were approved; staff said the books will be used alongside primary sources for college-aligned courses.

- Digital intervention training and implementation grant: the board approved submission of an application to the Indiana Department of Education for up to $50,000 in licenses for Core5 (Lexia) to continue a primary-grade program currently in use.

- Global travel program for Angola High School (see separate item): approved by roll call.

Where roll-call votes were recorded, board members who responded “yes” consistently included Beard, Caswell, Maggart, Poore, Ridenour and Sturry. The board took no votes to discontinue programs; several approvals were procedural or to permit staff to proceed with applications and planning.","The MSD Steuben County board approved consent items and several new-business motions, including minutes, claims, personnel actions, declaring obsolete library books, out-of-state field trips, acceptance of a $14,600 grant, textbook additions for dual-credit courses, a digital learning grant application and the global travel proposal.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6272939,"Board approves Angola High School international travel program, plans 2027 trip to Paris, Normandy and London",496,2556000,3052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb&start=2556&end=3052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3006542-6dad130b7ae65c7966d6cb3924d3b8eb/thumbnail_2556000.jpg","/articles/6272939/Indiana/Board-approves-Angola-High-School-international-travel-program-plans-2027-trip-to-Paris-Normandy-and-London","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6272939-7a6c91e3d718ad21c15d4be9fbd8a266/orig.mp4?Expires=1771068881&Signature=WkgxgUG2j3rNWORMoUIh5M599SCjA2rhLUk5U5Em1cgXNmR1dfPggG~gWVHLASoUOl7nrDLRAS66UTIg2VdYa1W~w422-CGA0ZOvJsvv7UveWPoLTB2hoIoEPej0IiuIrq5uBgIob4HeF3enOnSHKL8Ub07YHpkQClaCYa6Aa1~0XiYkrzn1W56CE~Gvqs2k~DJy86f7ASC9mBkmOY87YF~W2z1ejJhgbr3jZ1JnqonLXpvAV2ynRLip1VvypbMHzOj2K3701agJ0kt2ojP4dN51jmWR5LtGSU0fmpp-B~~LpKdz8UZ-apIvO5pV8911JbFQLcJuu5LxkbKDvcUEfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The MSD Steuben County school board voted to approve a proposed international travel program for Angola High School that is planned to run over spring break 2027, with an eight-day trip to Paris, Normandy and London organized by EF Tours.

Mr. Haven, presenting the proposal, said the trip would connect classroom learning — history, foreign language and even math — to real-world sites. “One of the teachers was even a math teacher to look at the Eiffel Tower and look how that was structured and use that as math,” Mr. Haven said.

The district described logistics and expectations: trips would require at least six students per chaperone and would be open to students from other county schools and to adult participants. The district gave sample costs: approximately $3,000 per student and $4,000 per adult if paid up front, or roughly $158 per month per student and $184 per month per adult if payments are spread over time; the cost was said to include airfare, hotel, meals, tours and insurance.

Mr. Haven said the trip would be run through EF Tours, which provides a tour guide and a travel specialist to handle bookings, insurance and on-site logistics. He said the earliest departure would be spring break 2027 to give families time to fundraise and plan.

Board members moved and approved the trip. A roll-call vote recorded members present voting in favor (Beard, Caswell, Maggart, Poore/Poore, Ridenour and Sturry). The motion passed and the district will conduct a call-out meeting for interested students and begin chaperone training and fundraising planning.

The board and district emphasized this would be a recurring program if continued: materials circulated by staff discuss additional future tours (Greece/Italy, Costa Rica) and other EF offerings for middle and high school groups.","The MSD Steuben County board approved a proposal to offer an EF Tours international trip for Angola High School students during spring break 2027. The district described chaperone ratios, estimated costs and fundraising options; the motion passed on a roll-call vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parents and students urge MSD Steuben County to preserve Angola High School agriculture program and FFA

MSD Steuben County recognizes six Teachers of the Year across district schools

Votes at a glance: MSD Steuben County board approves routine minutes, claims, personnel items, funds and program requests

Board approves Angola High School international travel program, plans 2027 trip to Paris, Normandy and London