Bethel Local board approves personnel hires and transportation stipend amid trustee questions about bonuses

The Bethel Local School District Board of Education approved multiple personnel recommendations and consent agenda items, including hiring Matthew Colbert as a new technology assistant and appointing Katie Brooks as a Bethel High School substitute teacher. Trustees also approved a $2,500 stipend for Jason Wilhite to perform a route assessment and implement changes intended to eliminate double routing in the district's transportation system.

During discussion Committee member Julie criticized paying performance stipends for routine work, saying "giving a performance stipend to someone for doing their job... is just not reasonable to me." Staff replied that the stipend is tied to performance goals — the first being the elimination of double routing — and that additional specific goals will be developed and shared with the board in January.

Staff described the district's rapid growth and the resulting staffing needs in technology and transportation: district enrollment rose from about 948 students in 2014 to over 2,400 in 2024, and staff said the technology intern position is being converted to a permanent role to meet increased device and support needs.

The board approved the consent agendas by roll call, accepting certified and classified personnel recommendations, substitute lists and business items. The meeting record included multiple affirmative roll-call responses from trustees for the personnel and business votes.

Board members asked for clearer goal definitions for performance payments; staff committed to returning in January with specific performance goals for the transit supervisor and superintendent to document expectations and outcomes.