Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 11/19/2024

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting, hosted by Longcoy School, began at 6:00 PM with a roll call, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and introduction of the Board members and administrators.
Previous minutes were voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr.Justin Gates introduced Todd Poole, principal at Longcoy, and Susan Lewis, elementary teacher. Ms Lewis showcased her presentation in her classroom so all could see where the learning was taking place. Her program's focus is teaching math concepts and teaching children how to work in groups. Children work in groups of 3, and seats are changed regularly. Ms Lewis stressed the importance of not just teaching the curriculum but teaching children how to think.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Debby Krutz presented a detailed summary of the district’s finances. One-half of the fiscal real estate taxes have been received. $268,197 is still available in the Permanent Improvement Fund. One CD will mature in December at an interest rate of 5.40%. Star Ohio interest is trending downward but is presently at 5.04%. They were voted on and approved.

APPROVAL OF BILLS
Voted on and approved

PERSONNEL
Superintendent Tom Larkin announced three upcoming retirements: board office secretary Nancy Lillibridge, with 25 years; Davey teacher Sherry Rosche, with 24 years; and CTE coordinator Brian Bachtel, with 16 years. There were also some leave of absence requests, appointments, transfers, and substitute applications. All were voted on and approved.

FIVE YEAR FORECAST
Treasurer Debby Krutz presented the required 5-year forecast for the district. This will be done again in May 2025. Real estate tax revenue yielded 1.2 million. Interest rates rose, so revenue increased, which will decline over the next several years. The CTE program has helped to increase revenue by increasing the number of students coming from the other five districts in the compact. The district initially pays stipends for teacher development and support staff but is then reimbursed by the state. There has been an 8% increase in the cost of insurance. Although the district participates in a utility consortium, gas and electric expenses have increased. Typically, the district replaces three buses annually, but only two are currently being replaced. This cost has also risen. The replacement and addition of chrome books had been paid through federal stimulus funds, but those funds are now depleted so now the general fund will assume the price. The district will see deficit spending by year’s end. The district has not had a levy on the ballot since 2013, but this may become necessary. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER NONSCHEDULED WAGES
For long term classified substitute teachers who have subbed for the required 61 days, there will be an increase in wages.

CONSIDER MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT FOR HVAC AND AC
Interim Business Director Hal Kendrick recommended Gardner Company for preventative maintenance and repair of the district’s heating and cooling systems. He had previously dealt with this company in another district and found that they have the right skill set to do a good job. Their focus on maintenance will, in the long run, extend the life of existing boilers, etc. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER THE PURCHASE OF INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT
The CTE program is requesting the purchase of 4 pieces of equipment. This equipment meets industry standards and ensures the continued quality of the program.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM
The district will agree with Kent State and Western Governor for teacher training. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KEA
The teacher and support staff wage scale will be amended. Voted on and approved.

OSBA POLICY
Last month the board was given the proposed policy revisions to review. These revisions are required. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER JOINING THE METRO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The district has been asked to join the Metro Athletic Association for the 2026-2027 season. Voted on and approved.

FIELD TRIPS
Two field trips await approval: the ice hockey team and the wrestling team competing in southeastern Ohio. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
Many students are in need and will benefit from this grief counseling. No cost is involved unless a student’s insurance or Medicaid does not cover this. This service will begin on December 2, 2024. Voted on and approved.

MISCELLANEOUS
Many monetary donations were received. No dollar amount was given. Voted on and approved.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board went into executive session to discuss & review personnel issues.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present? Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, Tiera Moore, Rebekah Wright Kulis

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

Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes

https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/kentcs/Board.nsf/Public

Name of Observer: Mary Myers