Date of Meeting: 8/21/2023
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. After the pledge of allegiance and roll call, the agenda was adopted. The Board then held a work session to discuss plans for moving forward with the permanent improvement levy renewal. Discussions centered on educating the public about the decision to update existing facilities rather than seek a bond levy for new construction. A levy committee will be established to lead the public education campaign. It was suggested that there be an informational table at home football games and an informational flyer to distribute to the citizens of Rootstown. Further planning and discussion will be on the September Board meeting agenda.
During the community comments portion of the meeting, Rootstown resident Brian Kinner addressed the Board to express his concern about a 7-year-old girl who was denied open enrollment admission to second grade after being an open enrollment student for kindergarten and first grade. The girl’s younger brother was accepted for kindergarten open enrollment this year. Mr. Kinner expressed his understanding that teachers are paid a small stipend for accepting a student beyond the maximum enrollment of 25 in a classroom. He offered to pay that stipend if that was the reason for the denial. The second community member who addressed the Board was Ms. Katie Spalding, who introduced herself as the mother of the 7-year-old girl. She referenced how troubling it is for her daughter to have been rejected and her children to have been separated into two different school districts. She asked that the Board establish policies and procedures for open enrollment that will serve the best interests of the students and their families. Board President Craig Mullaly responded that they would follow up with these two community members, and he asked for their contact information after the Board meeting.
During the business portion of the meeting, the Board approved several resolutions about grants and contracts. They also approved numerous teacher, staff, and legal services contracts.
Administrator reports:
Superintendent – Next Tuesday, August 29, will be most students' first day of school. At their pre-opening meeting, staff will be informed about forthcoming changes in response to state-level mandates included in the recently approved state budget.
Elementary – grade level enrollments are K-76, 1-70, 2-74, 3-69, 4-71, 5-82. The newly paved sidewalk on the back side of the elementary building is a welcome change.
Middle school – grade level enrollments are 6-75, 7-72, and 8-72. The middle school will implement a new tally system to keep track of behavioral corrections and rewards for students.
High school – four new teachers and one new counselor are being welcomed this year. Enrollment is currently 359, approximately 90 students per grade level. Approximately 80 students are enrolled in CCP, and 93 at Maplewood (45 juniors, 48 seniors)
The curriculum will use data to help teachers focus on student growth and improvement. In response to the new state-level dyslexia requirement, all K-3 students will be screened. 2nd through 5th grade science curriculum is ready to go.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Which members of the board/council were present: All present: Craig Mullaly, Paul McEwuen, Jennifer Curall, Tom Siciliano, Amanda Waesch, Superintendent Andrew Hawkins, Treasurer Connie Baldwin
Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Yes
Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes
https://www.roversk12.org
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
Name of Observer: Rhonda Richardson