Kent City Schools Board of Education
Date of Meeting: 11/19/2025
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The November 19, 2025 meeting, hosted by Holden Elementary School, began at 6:00 PM with roll call and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
Two third-grade teachers from Holden Elementary presented on a collaboration classroom model they have implemented over the past two years. The co-teaching approach supports the use of shared resources, self-help skills, and collaboration among students. Although the class size is larger, students reported positive learning experiences and enjoyment. Teachers noted that lessons learned during the first year helped strengthen collaboration and improve outcomes for all students.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Linda Paulus presented the district’s attendance improvement plan. She emphasized that parents may underestimate the impact of absences on student learning. The district has partnered with Kent State University to promote attendance, including incentives such as tickets to KSU men’s basketball games and recorded messages from players encouraging good attendance. The district absence rate has decreased from 26% last year to 18% this year.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
All first-half tax revenue has been received, and funds remain available in the Permanent Improvement Fund. As interest rates decline, the STAR Ohio rate for October was reported at 4.28%, down from 5.5% the previous year. The financial report was voted on and approved.
PERSONNEL:
Resignations, transfers, and substitute assignments were presented. Superintendent Tom Larkin recognized two retiring bus drivers and honored Kevin Hockett, coach and tutor, and Mrs. Shannon, Stanton science teacher. Approved by vote.
ACTION ITEMS:
- Two 77-passenger buses will be purchased from Myers Equipment. Approved.
- Necessary roofing projects will be completed by Trimco. Approved.
- A surplus laptop previously used for fine and gross motor skill evaluation will be sold. Approved.
- The ParentSquare system was selected as the district’s communication alert system, also providing web hosting and design services in a more cost-effective manner. Approved.
- Maxim Health Services will provide an LPN to care for a preschool student entering school, with Akron Children’s Hospital assuming care in the spring. Approved.
- Ravenna School District will join Title I to pool resources through a memorandum of understanding. Approved.
- A resolution is being sought with TDA regarding underperforming HVAC units. Approved.
- The Roosevelt Ice Hockey team was approved to attend a tournament in Columbus on January 16–17, 2026. Approved.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Alicia Crowe was elected president and Rebekah Wright Kulis vice president to serve the remainder of the term vacated by Tiera Moore in October. Approved.
INSTALLATION OF NEW BOARD MEMBER:
PJ Errara was sworn in as a newly elected board member. Approved.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Fifteen donations were received from the Kent community. Approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
The board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters.
The following members of the board/council were present: Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, Rebekah Wright Kulis, David Myers (all present)
Were any media representatives present? Unknown
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