Farmington chooses four applicants for vacant seat

The Farmington School Board announced the names of the four applicants for the vacant seat on the board and recognized a long time employee at Thursday’s meeting.

The school board received four applications for the open position. They unanimously approved all four finalists to give a presentation and answer questions during the August school board meeting.

The board will give the candidates a list of questions and candidates will prepare for a presentation and to answer questions. The board will decide and then vote in September on who will fill the vacancy.

Dr. Ben Rothlisberger has a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is married and has three children who currently attend school in the district. He is one of the practicing veterinarians and owners of the Veterinary Clinic of the Mineral Area in Farmington.

Howard Hoehn is a life-long resident of Farmington. He has 28 years experience in education, building administrator, central office administrator and district consultant. He and his children attended and graduated from the district.

Carmen Elkins is retired and has lived in the Farmington area since 1999. Her youngest child graduated in 2009 from the district. She has been involved with her children in the district and has learned many things about the district by being involved.

Keven Harrington is a life-long resident of Farmington. He graduated from the district and has owned a business in Farmington for 17 years. He has two sons who attend school in the Farmington School District and he has been on several boards.

Dotty Bach was recognized by Farmington Assistant Superintendent Jerry Watson in front of a crowded meeting room. Many of her friends and family were in attendance to help honor her. She began with the district in 1987.

Bach is retiring after 22 years in the district and has been in charge of Food Services for the last seven years. She has worked as a secretary for Jefferson Elementary, for Special Services and Lincoln Intermediate and the food/service transportation department prior to her current position.

“It has been a pleasure to work with her,” said Watson.

“I appreciate all the support in this job. The job was a pleasure in the last seven years. It was God and family and all the people you work with that make the job,” said Bach.

Today is her last day with the district. She will be replaced by Mike Rawson, who has been training with her.

The Heartland Hero award went to student Connor Purkett. He taught karate to students at Lincoln Intermediate for summer school as part of his A+ volunteer hours.

The Feature Teacher was Jon Huitt. He is in charge of Missouri Options program for the district. He has helped 48 students complete the program and graduate with a Farmington High School diploma.

There were 10 students who graduated from summer school.

Roblyn Hatch gave him the opportunity to say a few words and Huitt thanked the board and said that he really appreciate working with this program.

The next Farmington School Board meeting will be held Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. at the Farmington School Board Building.

Maridee Lawson is a reporter for the Daily Journal. She can be reached at 756-8927 or mlawson@farmingtonpressonline.com