Kent City Schools Board of Education

Date: 5/19/2026

Format: Virtual

Summary:

The May 19, 2026, board meeting began at 6:00 with roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Justin Gates introduced the board, administrators, and staff.
VISITORS
Three concerned Longcoy parents spoke to the board regarding the recent incident involving a second-grade student bringing a loaded gun to school. The parents' overwhelming concerns were accountability, the need for more safety training, and better communication from the district. They do not feel that even the existing protocols were followed. It was suggested that the children have only clear backpacks and no access to those backpacks during the school day. They were also very concerned that the child had reported seeing the gun to three staff members before appropriate action was taken. Board member Alicia Crowe assured the parents that they were meeting in executive session to discuss a resolution to the situation and what actions would be taken going forward.
John Thomas addressed the board regarding HB42. He feels that this is government overreach and violates citizens’ rights. Regarding the Longcoy situation, he believes the best solutions will come from community involvement.

MINUTES
PJ Errara suggested an amendment be made to the minutes, which were then voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
ROUGH RIDER READS PROGRAM
Four media specialists will be coordinating the summer program with help from volunteers. There will be four opportunities to attend: June 16 & 30, July 14 & 15. This has proven to be a very successful and engaging program.
LEVY
Superintendent Larkin thanked the community and Citizens for Kent Schools committee for passing the May 5 levy.
YOU TUBE BROADCAST
Jim Soyers spoke about improving the microphones used to broadcast the meetings. The district is working with Woodsy’s to make this happen so that the meetings will be more audio-friendly.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Erin Van Meter, reported that all property taxes have been received until July.
$1,488,000 in interest has been received this year. The interest on the Star Ohio fund is holding steady at 3.8% but down from last year’s rate of 4.47%. Voted on and approved.
BILLS
$5.8 million has been paid out so far this year. Some vendors are beginning to add fuel charges to their bills without advanced notice. For example, the elevator company added $700 to cover its fuel costs. Voted on and approved
PERSONNEL
Barb Flowers was introduced as the new principal of Davey Elementary. There were some resignations, leave requests, appointment transfers, and substitutes. Voted on and approved.
FOOD SERVICE
The new food service administrator will be taking the menu in a new direction incorporating the wellness policy. Try it Tuesday will allow students to sample new food items while maintaining the government standards.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR GROUP WORKMEN COMPENSATION PLAN
The fee to participate in this plan remains unchanged at $1830.00. Voted on and approved
HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL
There is a 6% increase this year. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER NONSCHEDULED SALARIES
Aides will be receiving an increase to bring their pay more in line with other districts. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER KENT PD CROSSING GUARDS
There are presently 4 crossing guards paid through the police department. They each work 10 hours per week and are currently earning less than what other districts pay. After meeting with the Chief of police, Tom Larkin, and Erin Van Meter, it was decided that going forward, the district will share in the increase in their wages, bringing them up to par with other districts. Voted on and approved.
CONSIDER INTER DISTRICT ESY

ESC will provide staffing for ESY this summer. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF HANDBOOKS
There will be some changes/additions before the final handbook is produced. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR PAVING PROJECTS
There are several projects considered for this summer through Vasco and Omnia partners. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR ROOFTOP PROJECT
Gardner Company has removed the dehumidifier on the roof of the natatorium and will replace it. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO JOIN THE OHIO SCHOOLS CONSORTIUM OF SW OHIO
Voted on and approved
CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR DAVEY PLAYGROUND
The same company providing the equipment will also handle the surfacing project. Voted on and approved
CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR OUT-OF-STATE FIELD TRIPS
One request was received from RHS for a spring trip to Edinburgh, Scotland. Voted on and approved.
MISCELLANEOUS
31 donations were received from a very generous Kent community. Voted on and approved.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The board adjourned to executive session to consider emergency response protocol.

Members Present: Alicia Crowe, Rebekah Wright Kulis, David Myers, PJ Errara

Absent: John Avouris. No reason given

Public Notice: Yes

Agenda: Yes

Minutes: Yes

Observer: Mary Myers