TONTOGANY — The Otsego Board of Education made the decision to cut the Otsego Virtual Learning Academy teaching position.
Beginning in 2024-25, OVLA teacher Hank Zeller will be affected by the cost-saving move.
“With benefits and salary, the loss of the OVLA position will save the district $96,000.” said Superintendent Kevin O’Shea at the board’s Thursday meeting.
Board member Mark Tolles opposed the removal of the position.
“I’m really torn, having been involved getting the online started here 12 years ago,” Tolles said. “I felt that it was really a great thing (because of what OVLA could offer).”
As another cost-saving move, school counselor Kevin Schaublin will not be replaced after his resignation. Schaublin is leaving Otsego following the 2023-24 school year.
O’Shea said prior to the defeat of the November income tax request that spending cuts will likely need to be made.
Also at the meeting, the board:
• Honored Students of the Month for April: 6th Grade Peyton McKinney, Bauer Fausnaugh; 7th Grade Callie Palmer, Zane Winger; 8th Grade Claire Lampe, Evan Mobus; Freshman Jack Hartman; Sophomore Kaylynn Euler; Junior Lillian Griggs; Senior Kaitlin Gardner; Penta Career Center Bryonna Wiles.
• Introduced new Health and Physical Education teacher, Craig Rutherford.
• Introduced new Girls Basketball coach, Andy Stickel.
The next board meeting will be held May 22, in the Otsego High School library at 6 p.m.
