Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 5/20/2025
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The May 20,2025 Board meeting was called to order with the introduction of administrators and staff by Dr. Justin Gates. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and guests were welcomed.
Recent RHS graduate, Olivia Haynes, expressed her concerns regarding the use of a lottery system to determine admission into the Expedition Academy at Roosevelt. She believes the admission process should be based on merit. Olivia’s mother, Allison, also addressed the board concerning this matter, hoping to make the admission process more fair and inclusive.
Superintendent Tom Larkin assured the Haynes that their concerns have been heard and the process will be reviewed.
Another parent of five RHS graduates addressed the board to express his gratitude to the Kent district for providing his children with a quality education, supportive staff and teachers, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Minutes from the April meeting were voted on and approved.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Two representatives from OAESA, Dr. Becky Hornberger and Mark Jones, presented Principal Abbey Bolton & Davey Elementary with an award recognizing excellence in education. Only the top 10 elementary schools in Ohio receive this recognition, which includes a 15-page application, on-site visits & community input. Davey was found to meet the physical, emotional & educational needs of all students. Ms Bolton will formally receive this award at the conference in June.
Ted Carroll, an electronics teacher, was recognized as Teacher of the Year. Jen Flarrety, Media Specialist at RHS, was also recognized for her contributions. Mike Haney, Art, Photography & baseball coach since 2002, was recognized for the positive impact he has had on students & athletes, touting his 300 game-winning record.
FINANCIAL REPORT
As of April 30th in the cash summary, the General Fund has received all taxes. The Permanent Improvement fund will receive a temporary advance of $400,000 to cover projects, such as roofing, which are scheduled to begin this summer. The Star Ohio has a yield of 4.47% but is expected to decrease. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold the current rate in June. Voted on and approved.
A number of retirements, resignations, transfers & substitutes were presented. Voted on and approved.
FOOD SERVICES
Ray Barnes has been appointed the new director. Nutrition standards will continue to be followed with the state wellness policies guidelines.
REVISED 5-YEAR FORECAST
Summarizing the key points, this report covers the current year and the next four years. Revenue is improving with reception of real estate & personal income taxes, State funding is slightly down. Compact service charges are up. Expenditures, personnel being the largest category, remain over 4%. The district is now in deficit spending; the first time in a long time. Typically, three new school buses are ordered, but this year only two will be ordered, and the remaining funds will be used to repair existing equipment. Chromebooks are automatically budgeted, one grade level at a time, will be replaced. Voted on and approved.
BOARD OFFICE PARKING LOT
People using this lot without authorization will be warned & towed if there is a further violation.
INTRA DISTRICT CONTRACT WITH ESC
ESC will continue to provide services. Voted on and approved.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
New Psychology instructional materials were presented. Voted on and approved.
HANDBOOKS
Reviewed. Voted on and approved.
SPECIAL EDUCATION POLICIES
The policies must be approved in May & again in November. Voted on and approved.
AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF KENT AND DAVEY TREE
At no cost to the district, the city & Davey Tree were given the right of way to move the sidewalk in front of RHS. Voted on and approved.
FIELD TRIPS
The only approval request was for a field trip to occur in 2027. Since that calendar has not yet been determined, no approval can be given till next year.
MISCELLANEOUS
$43,000 in donations were received from a very generous Kent community. Voted on and approved.
ADJOURN
Which members of the board/council were present? Colin Boyle, Alecia Crowe, Tiera Moore, David Myers. Absent was 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