Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board
Date of Meeting: 9/16/2025
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
By way of full disclosure, the district was experiencing technical difficulties, so this information was obtained from online sources that reported on the meeting rather than the audio stream.
One visitor was present to propose donations to the Wall of Valor at Roosevelt and to discuss plans for Hispanic Heritage month.
Erin VanMeter was introduced as the new CFO / treasurer, replacing Debbie Krutz, effective June 16, 2025.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The previous 2019 - 2024 Strategic Plan, which focused on academic achievement, mental health, communications, finances, and facilities, has concluded. A new plan was considered during this meeting. No details were reported, but many of the previous items will likely continue, with the addition of literacy improvement and targeted interventions. The Simple View of Reading was explained. This method has two core components: word recognition and language comprehension.
RECENT NEWS ARTICLES
A controversial decision regarding flag protocol was reported in the news. This article was from Kent Schools in Washington state and not Kent, Ohio.
FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ITEMS
- Consider approval of appropriations resolution for fiscal year 2026.
- Consider and approve tax rates and amounts for Kent Free Library.
- Review and potentially approve the student activity budget.
- Consider a memorandum of understanding with Mutual Health Services.
- Consider a resolution for the Ed Tech Leaders Alliance membership service agreement.
- Payment in lieu of transportation was approved for students attending out-of-district schools.
- Consider Title I memorandum of understanding.
- Consider a resolution regarding Special Ed policies and procedures for 2025-2026.
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
There were two resignations and one retirement request.
OTHER ACTION ITEMS
- Bids were received for new school buses.
- Resolution for capital improvement projects.
- New copier agreement
- Adoption of a Safe Routes to School plan.
- Approval of staff handbooks for Davey, Holden, and Longcoy.
- Taylor Johnson was introduced as the new Roosevelt softball coach.
MISCELLANEOUS
Donations of $29,370.64 were received.
Which members of the board/council were present? Unknown due to technical difficulties in meeting
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