Kent City Schools Board of Education
Date of Meeting: 2/17/2026
Format: Virtual
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began at 6:00 PM with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Dr. Justin Gates introduced board members, administrators, staff, and visitors. Previous minutes were voted on and approved.
Public Comments / Guest Speakers:
Bob Springer spoke about the importance of registering new voters and emphasized re-registering voters who have moved by completing a change of address on their voter registration. He suggested that staff could be trained to help facilitate this process.
Anne Reid spoke about Ohio House Bill 42 (HB42), which is before the Ohio legislature. She stated that HB42 would require districts to inform the Ohio State Board of Education of the citizenship and immigration status of all students. She expressed concern that this could deter families from sending children to school and could impede every child’s right to a public education.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
Two teachers and two students from Longcoy Elementary School presented the school’s PALS program. One component focuses on improving attendance through incentives such as rewards and “shout outs.” Absenteeism has dropped from 29% last year to 19% so far this school year. Another component focuses on behavior, using incentives to encourage positive conduct, listening skills, and self-control.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
An update was provided on MTSS, a three-tiered framework being implemented for a third year through District and Building Leadership Teams. The system is designed to support students through interventions for at-risk learners and students receiving special education services, with ongoing staff training. Tier 1 is core instruction accessible to all students. Tier 2 provides additional targeted supports and interventions. Tier 3 provides individualized supports. Data is collected and used to adjust supports, with the goal of intervening before a referral to special education is needed.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Real estate taxes are due at the end of February. Some funds have already been received, and a final settlement is expected in March. As of January, the STAR Ohio interest rate was reported at 3.84%, down from 4.35% last year. The report was voted on and approved.
BILLS:
$5.8 million was paid out in January (compared with $6.2 million paid out in January of last year). Approved by vote.
PERSONNEL:
Resignations, retirements, transfers, and substitute applications were presented. Kathy Scott, principal at Stanton Middle School, will be retiring after a 42-year career with the district. Approved by vote.
DISCUSSION: RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE HB42:
Board member John Avouris proposed a resolution to add the district’s voice in opposition to HB42, which would require reporting students’ citizenship and immigration status to the Ohio State Board of Education. It was noted that Kent City Council and the League of Women Voters have already opposed the bill. Superintendent Tom Larkin stated he prefers the district avoid politics and focus on education. He also questioned the legality of using public funds to make a public statement and expressed concern about additional administrative burden. Mr. Avouris emphasized protecting students and the school environment, and stated that other districts have opposed HB42 with legal guidance. Mr. Larkin agreed to consult the district’s attorney. This item is expected to return as an action item at the March meeting.
REVISED FISCAL FORECAST:
HB96 has changed the fiscal forecast submission due dates to August and February. Revenue was reported as approximately 66% local and 33% state. Beginning in 2028, the district must maintain a cash balance sufficient to cover 60 days of expenditures. A levy is expected to be on the ballot soon, and community engagement will be important for planning. Approved by vote.
SUMMER SCHOOL TUITION:
There will be no increase in tuition rates this year. The last increase was in 2023. Enrollment and expenses will be evaluated to determine whether a future increase is needed.
OHAA MEMBERSHIP:
Annual membership will be continued for the 2026–2027 school year. Approved by vote.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT:
A collective bargaining agreement with KEA was reached to extend through June 30, 2029. Approved by vote.
TITLE I MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING:
Pooling federal funds with non-public schools was described as more efficient because funding is based on the number of students. Approved by vote.
COLLEGE CREDIT AGREEMENTS:
Stark State will offer college credit to high school students, and the University of Akron will begin offering credit in August. Approved by vote.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH HIRAM COLLEGE:
The district will receive student teachers from Hiram College, with an anticipated 4–5 candidates. Approved by vote.
SCHOOL PICTURES:
Teachers reported satisfaction with the current vendor, and the contract will be renewed for two years. Approved by vote.
CHROMEBOOKS:
Amcore was recommended for the purchase of 770 new Chromebooks. Approved by vote.
REIMBURSEMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION:
One student will receive reimbursement for transportation to a non-public school. Approved by vote.
FIELD TRIPS:
Four requests were presented (DECA, CTE, student leadership retreat, and boys varsity baseball spring trip). Approved by vote.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Fourteen donations were received from the Kent community (no dollar amount provided). Approved by vote.
EXECUTIVE SESSION / ADJOURNMENT:
The board entered executive session for personnel matters and then adjourned.
The following members of the board/council were present: Alicia Crowe, Rebekah Wright Kulis, David Myers, John Avouris, PJ Errera (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