Date of Meeting: 9/22/2025

Format: In-person

Meeting Summary:

The meeting began with the recognition of Raven Awards for staff and students; staff and students from each building were acknowledged. The meeting was shortly adjourned to allow for pictures. When the meeting resumed, the largest item on the agenda was the 5-year forecast. The treasurer discussed the changes that impact Ravenna schools as a result of the passage of HB96. Although the presentation was referred to as the 5-year forecast, what will be submitted to the state is a 4-year forecast, as this reflects one of the changes by the aforementioned house bill. The shortening of this forecast by one year was to present the public with a more accurate financial outlook. The second change made as a result of the passage of this house bill was that the timing of the reports will be earlier. In the past, these forecasts were not made public until November and late Spring, after the elections had taken place. The new bill requires schools to report their findings on October 15 and in February, providing the public with an opportunity to make more informed decisions regarding potential levies.

The metrics within the most recent report were covered. When expenditures were discussed, it was reported that 82% of expenses were allocated to salaries and benefits, 14% to purchased services, and 4% to supplies and capital debt. Ravenna has permanent improvements funded by a levy, explaining why the number dedicated to permanent improvements is not larger. Revenue has decreased from 40% to 38.91%, primarily attributed to real estate, which comprises residential, agricultural, and business sectors, with 68% of this revenue stream represented by residential ownership. Revenue supplied to Ravenna by the State accounts for 51%, which is only guaranteed for fiscal years 2025/26-2026/27, per the passage cycle of the governor's biannual budget. The state funding formula was briefly discussed as a number derived from a formula that takes into account population and the value of business assets within the community, divided by the number of students. Only 4.32% of revenue comes from Medicaid payments and various abatements and other tax incentives.

Many residents inquire about lottery funds, which are classified as an unrestricted revenue stream; Ravenna only receives approximately $127,000 from the lottery funds.

The most significant takeaway is that although we are not currently in deficit spending, if revenue and expenditures remain static, there will be deficit spending in fiscal year 29/30. The other takeaway was more of a positive note was that days there is cash on hand is recommended at 180. We are currently at 61, which represents an improvement over the negative 14 we reported last year.

There was a multitude of consent agenda items, which can best be characterized as housekeeping items, such as approving resignations, retirements, accepting gifts and donations, and temporary positions and stipends.

Notably, two members of the community spoke during the comments. Each took their three minutes but spoke on the same issue. It was the mother and aunt of a female student in the Ravenna Youth Cheer program. The student was reportedly told she could attend a competition if she improved in specific skills. After reportedly improving, another older student helping with the team informed the mother that her daughter was still not invited to join her team. The mother reports that she was yelling but not swearing or threatening. The next day, the mother was served with a trespass order that she was no longer allowed to be on school property unless it was official business, and she even needed permission from the superintendent to attend this meeting. The mother was asking them to review the matter themselves and to rescind the trespass order. Per Board policy, there was no response to either speaker at the meeting, as they will respond to them via email or letter.

The meeting was then adjourned into executive session, and the reason specified was "Employment."

Which members of the board/council were present: Present were Patricia Dennison, Pamela Nation Calhoun, LaTesha Dukes, Michael Wisniewski. Absent was Joan Seman- 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

Name of Observer: Carmen Laudato