Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 8/19/2025

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The August 19, 2025, board meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Justin Gates introduced the board members, administrators, and staff.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Voted on and approved

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
The Rough Rider Reads summer program was presented by the media specialists from Roosevelt and Stanton. In its 7th year, this program continues to be very successful, with Davey Elementary having the highest participation. Four events were held this summer involving the fire department, the police department, the library, and the Park District. The volunteers were presented with awards for their contributions to this program.

Concerned parents addressed the board regarding the denial of their request for their child to attend Davey Elementary. To keep class sizes fair, their child will be attending Longcoy Elementary this school year. Superintendent Larkin encouraged the parents to reapply for open enrollment next May.

FINANCIAL REPORT
The general fund received 7 million dollars in property taxes in July. The investment rate of interest was at 4.46%. Voted on and approved.

APPROVAL OF BILLS.
Voted on and approved

PERSONNEL
Some requests for resignations, leaves of absence, transfers, and substitutes were received.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR PHARMACY CONTRACT
The district will remain in contract with Express Scripts until 2029. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER CONTRACT FOR PARENT MENTORS
A $25,000 grant, which is shared with Woodridge School District, will provide a parent mentor for each district. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER BUS STOP LISTS
The lists are still being finalized as more children are entering the district. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
The family of 2 students attending Walsh High School will receive payment in lieu of transportation. Voted on and approved.

HARBOR EDUCATION
A 3 year lease was voted on and approved.

CONSIDER UPDATED PHONE SERVICE AT CENTRAL
Spectrum Business will be the phone provider at Central. Voted on approved.

CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR BIDS
Capital improvement bids can be received by the district. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY
Teachers may attend Franklin University for continuing education. Voted on and approved.

MISCELLANEOUS
A very generous community received 3 donations. No dollar amount was given. Voted on and approved.
Tiera Moore announced that she will not be running for reelection to the school board.

ADJOURN
2 students attending Walsh High School will receive payment.

Which members of the board/council were present? Colin Boyle, Tiera Moore, Rebekah Wright Kulis, David Myers. Absent was Dr. Alicia Crowe. 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