Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 12/17/2024
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Justin Gates introduced board members and administrators.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Voted on and approved
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Gates introduced Katie McKeda, who was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award for her work with international students. She is based at Walls and has had a truly positive impact on students.
Anthony Horton introduced Aaron Hido, who has successfully implemented the PBIS program. Stanton Middle School has been awarded the bronze award for this highly effective behavior program, STAR. This acronym stands for Safety, Tolerance, Accountability, and Respect. Students receive “star bucks” for good behavior, which can be cashed in for treats on Friday. There are four parties throughout the school year to reinforce the program's effectiveness.
APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL REPORT
1.8 million has been received into the general fund. Cash advances will be accepted in February when taxes are received. Funds remain in the CTE and the retirement fund. $269,200 remains in the Permanent Improvement Fund. STAR OHIO of Ohio is at 4.86% but is beginning to drop slightly. The federal interest rate is also expected to fall slightly.
Voted on and approved
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Voted on and approved
RETIREMENTS
Several requests for retirement were received. Tianne Donaldson from Roosevelt, Adrienne Cobb McNeil from Stanton, and Ginny Harvey from Davey. Some leaves of absence and substitute applications were received.
Voted on and approved
OSBA POLICY REVIEW
One policy revision will be reviewed for approval at the January 2025 meeting.
CONSIDER MEMBERSHIP IN OSBA (BOARD)
Dues for Board of Education Association membership will be $11,781 in 2025.
Voted on and approved
CONSIDER NONSCHEDULED WAGES
Wages for nonscheduled employees will be adjusted to be competitive with the Ohio minimum wage rate of $10.70, which will take effect January 1, 2025
Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR TITLE I
Resources will be pooled with Ravenna Schools to provide services.
Voted on and approved
KENT FREE LIBRARY
Will Underwood be appointed to the board of the Kent Free Library?
Voted on and approved
CONSIDER SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
As a result of a court order, a teacher will be reinstated on January 6, 2025.
Voted on and approved
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
January 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM has been set for the 2025 organizational meeting. Colin Boyle is the board President pro temp.
Voted on and approved
FIELD TRIPS
There are no requests for field trips at this time
MISCELLANEOUS
Twenty donations have been received totaling $20,704.99 from a very generous Kent community.
Voted on and approved
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board recessed to executive session to consider employee 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