Hosler future still unsure

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BLANCHESTER — Rick Hosler’s future as high school principal remains up in the air.

During a Blanchester Board of Education meeting Wednesday night, the board approved a resolution to make public an investigative report of Hosler. The investigation was conducted by an independent investigator retained by the board’s legal services firm Bricker and Eckler to look into “certain personnel matters.”

The resolution Wednesday was approved in a 4-1 vote with board member Todd Bandow voting no. He gave no comment as to why he voted no.

The News Journal, in response to a public records request this week, on Thursday received from the district the summary of the investigative report, with the full report expected Friday.

Hosler faces non-renewal of his contract for the 2017-18 school year, with the matter expected to be addressed by the board of education at its Monday, May 15 meeting.

Superintendent Dean Lynch earlier told the News Journal that on May 5 he met with Hosler and Lynch shared “my intent on bringing a non-renewal of his contract before the school board on the 15th.”

Because Hosler is tenured with the school district, if he is non-renewed as principal next school year, he would still be employed by the district in another capacity.

Hosler was put on paid administrative leave in November 2015 and returned to work at the school in January 2016.

The Blanchester Middle School gym had many Hosler supporters Wednesday night, ranging from residents to current and former students. One of those students was Class of 2015 graduate Reilly Hopkins, who attended to show support and to speak to the board in executive session.

“I plan on telling them all the great things that I experienced as a student, what this man has done for the community and for me personally,” said Hopkins.

Hopkins said Hosler is one of the reasons he decided to run for Blanchester Village Council this year.

“He’s one of the men who encouraged me to be a leader in this town,” he said.

Sophomores Hunter Miller and Molly Campbell asked attendees to sign a petition because, according to Campbell, Hosler “is the best principal we’ve ever had.” The two Wildcats believe that Hosler is not only a good principal, but a good person.

“He doesn’t just do his job as principal, but as a person,” said Miller. “I can’t see anybody else doing the job as good as he did.”

“He sees the good in every student, no matter what your background is,” said Campbell.

No decision was made after the executive session. The board will meet again Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the middle school cafeteria.

Also during the meeting:

• The graduating class of 2017 was approved unanimously by the board.

• Board President Keith Gibson thanked those who voted for the recently passed renewal levy.

“I know as a taxpayer, every time the real estate taxes come around you guys make the sacrifice. You voted to make that sacrifice to help the school and the community. We want you to know it’s very much appreciated,” said Gibson.

The Blanchester Local School Board of Education and Superintendent Dean Lynch discuss whether or not high school Principal Rick Hosler’s contract will be renewed.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/05/web1_DSC_0132.jpgThe Blanchester Local School Board of Education and Superintendent Dean Lynch discuss whether or not high school Principal Rick Hosler’s contract will be renewed.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/05/web1_DSC_0128.jpg
District to release investigative report

By John Hamilton

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Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574

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