Auglaize DD Board Renews Shared Superintendent Agreement with Allen County DD Board for One Year
New Bremen, Ohio — The Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Auglaize DD) passed a
resolution during its June 16, 2025, meeting to renew an agreement for shared superintendent services
with the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities (DD) for a period of one year. The agreement,
which includes a formal review of necessity after six months, is intended to support the Allen County Board
of DD in its planned transition back to a full-time superintendent. The ACBDD voted on the renewed
agreement during its June 23, 2025, meeting.
Auglaize DD Superintendent Renee Kohler assumed responsibilities of superintendent for both counties in
August 2024 as the Allen County Board of DD assessed its organizational needs following the retirement of
former Allen County Superintendent Theresa Schnipke in 2024. Kohler will continue to lead both agencies
during the transition, working with the Allen County Board’s newly appointed Assistant Superintendent,
Melissa Ricker. Upon completion, Kohler will return to her full-time role in Auglaize County where she has
served as superintendent since 2015.
“I appreciate the willingness of the Auglaize DD Board to support what has been a positive and unique
learning experience,” said Kohler. “It has been a pleasure to support and serve the Allen County
community for the past year, and I look forward to working with Melissa Ricker through her eventual
transition into the full-time superintendent role in Allen County. Melissa is a compassionate and dedicated
leader. I am excited to know we will be working together for many years as neighboring superintendents,”
Kohler elaborated.
Current President of the Allen County Board of DD expressed appreciation for the collaborative
opportunity shared by the two Boards. “The Allen County Board of DD is grateful to Superintendent Kohler
and the Auglaize DD Board for their partnership during this interim period. Exploring the potential of
shared services has helped our Board identify long-term efficiencies while also recognizing that the
leadership demands and deep community engagement in each county underscore the value of having full-
time superintendents,” McPheron stated.
Kohler echoed McPheron’s sentiment, highlighting the benefits and challenges of serving both agencies.
“The collaboration, professionalism, and dedication of staff in both counties have been remarkable. I have
enjoyed meeting and learning from everyone I have worked with, including a multitude of community
partners. Collaborative community engagement is one of my favorite aspects of the job, and both Boards
excel in this area. That commitment, in my view, warrants the attention of a full-time superintendent in
each county,” Kohler added.
The Allen and Auglaize DD Boards have remained independent entities, maintaining their own personnel
and programs. This structure will continue through the renewed agreement