Middlebury board approves personnel recommendation, library appointment and athletics donations

The Middlebury Community Schools Board of Trustees approved a consent agenda at its July 14 meeting that included a personnel recommendation naming Jeremy Bechtel as principal at Heritage Intermediate School, the appointment of Don Schuler to the Middlebury Public Library Board, and acceptance of donations to support Northridge athletics and cheer.

Superintendent Dr. Snyder summarized the personnel recommendation for Jeremy Bechtel, citing 16 years of experience in public education, prior roles in curriculum and instructional leadership, his assistant-principal and principal experience in Elkhart schools, and degrees from IUSB and Ball State University. "We request approval of his, him becoming principal at Heritage as part of this personnel report," Dr. Snyder said. Bechtel was not present at the meeting.

Board member Greg announced he would abstain from the personnel vote because a family member is listed on the personnel report. The consent agenda vote was recorded as passing with four votes in favor and one abstention.

On appointment item 5.2, the board noted the Middlebury Public Library had one applicant for its board seat, Don Schuler. The board approved Schuler's appointment in a voice vote announced as 5-0.

Dr. Snyder also reported three checks totaling $10,200 from a single anonymous family to support Northridge High School facilities, equipment and safety, and a separate $660.02 donation from the Raider Athletics Booster Club to support Northridge cheerleading. The board approved acceptance of the donations by voice vote, recorded as 5-0.

The board then announced field trips and other routine business before adjourning to executive session.