Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 4/15/2025
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The April 15, 2025, Board meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Assistant Superintendent Justin Gates welcomed the board and visitors and introduced the administrators and staff. The previous minutes were voted on and approved.
VISITORS
Mr. Redman, a taxpayer and concerned citizen, addressed the board about his concerns regarding the spending cuts and policies that could potentially impact the district. Superintendent Larkin responded by saying that the district had no choice but to comply with the guidelines set by the Department of Education or risk losing funding. He went on to say that the hearts of the administrators, teachers, and students would remain unchanged, and they would continue to respect and care for one another. Mr Larkin offered to meet with Mr Redman to discuss the matter further after the meeting.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Debby Krutz gave a detailed report on the district’s finances, which will be briefly summarized. The General Fund has received the real estate tax settlement in March. The Permanent Improvement Fund currently has a balance of $222,000, but a roofing project and other projects will likely total more than $404,000, requiring a temporary fund advance. On the revenue side, a tax settlement of 102% was received, which was more than expected. Interest rates have dropped, but not as much as expected. Expenditures total 72.44% used. The STAR Ohio is at 4.46%, just a little down, and the Federal Interest Rate remains unchanged. Voted on and approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
The children and families of those serving in the military were present and honored by Mr Larkin, who visited with each of the 26 children who currently have a parent serving. In all, 21 families in the district have a family member in the military.
CAREER TECH PROGRAM
This month’s board meeting was hosted by Roosevelt High School, specifically in the new Manufacturing building. A DECA student presented a community resource project they have been working on and will present at the DECA competition. The manufacturing program is very high tech, allowing students to learn high-paying, marketable skills. Each piece of machinery was explained and how it is utilized. The CTE Expansion Grant funded this building and will be dedicated on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 12:30 PM.
PERSONNEL
There were some leaves of absence, retirements, transfers, nonrenewals, and reappointments presented, voted on, and approved.
CONSIDER TRANSFER OF FUNDS
A total of $484,775 will temporarily be transferred from the General Fund to the Improvement Fund. This will be repaid in July. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Materials will be reviewed and voted on next month.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR TITLE 1
An updated version was presented. Voted on and approved.
STUDENT CONDUCT CODE
Driving and parking violations at Roosevelt will be enforced. Voted on and approved.
AUXILIARY SERVICES
Contracts with Kevin Coleman, Children’s Advantage, services for St Pat’s, nursing services, and psychological services will be renewed. Voted on and approved.
PARKS AND REC
Consider a contract with Parks and Rec for the summer program. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER STUDENT INSURANCE
Students have the opportunity to participate in the student insurance program. Voted on approved.
CONSIDER OUT OF DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION
Renew contract with Suburban Transportation Company for out of district student transportation. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER OSBA POLICIES
13 new policies were introduced. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER REVISED 2025 - 26 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
An additional teacher workday had been mistakenly added on June 4, 2026. The revised end date is now June 3, 2026. Voted on and approved.
FIELD TRIPS
Two requests have been presented for approval. DECA will be attending the national competition, and the Health Care Program will be visiting Slippery Rock University. Voted on and approved.
MISCELLANEOUS
Three donations were received from a very generous community in Kent. No dollar amount was given. Voted on and approved.
ADJOURN
Which members of the board/council were present? Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe and David Myers. Absent were Tiera Moore and Rebekah Wright Kulis. No reason given
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