Streetsboro Board of Education Regular Meeting

Date: 5/14/2026

Format: In-person

Summary:

The Regular Meeting of the Streetsboro Board of Education was called to order on May 14, 2026 at 5:45 PM.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were many public comments on the proposed cuts necessitated by the recent levy failure. A student stepped forward requesting that Middle School sports and clubs be saved. Sports and clubs create opportunity for growth and advancement into varsity. The student appealed to the board to keep the teams. A parent stepped forward who had experience with levy failures in Parma Schools. That school system declined as a result of cutting extracurricular activities for students. This parent urged the need to adopt and explore other areas for funding middle school sports and clubs. Everyone needs to work together to find a way to keep the teams and activities. A staff member spoke on the importance of keeping Jr. Varsity and Middle School sports. A High School Football Coach said that eliminating Jr. Varsity and Middle School sports will create long-term problems. He has seen many athletes go to college that had grown through the Middle School and JV programs. Athletics create community pride and a safe place for students. The President of a Youth Baseball organization came forward and cited statistics that 20% of all students participate in youth sports programs. This individual had memories of going through levy cuts. Programs disappeared and opportunities disappeared. The community cares deeply for its students. How can we work together to keep programs available to the kids- to keep doors open for the students. A city council member and coach stepped forward and requested that the board work with the community to initiate conversations on solutions. There is an ally on the city council and the community values the programs that are slated to be cut. Perhaps an income tax levy could be explored or go back to the voters to try again. Another community leader stepped forward to add that students learn life skills through participating in Varsity Football. Students will work harder in academics to stay in sports. Varsity athletes grow and are molded by participation in JV sports. Eliminating JV sports will limit students' ability to continue in Varsity and College sports. A High School teacher involved in starting the JV program has seen it grow and grow. A JV team is a feeder and developmental team for the Varsity. The proposed cuts hurt the varsity programs across the board. Sports and extracurricular activities are important in student college recommendation letters. Please rethink the cuts before they become final. The President of the Band Boosters stepped forward to say that cutting 5th Grade band would be developmentally tragic. The 5th grade development is very important for growth in the music programs. A Middle School band director position has been eliminated and is now shared by the High School band director. Parents are not ready to accept the loss of music, sports and clubs. The district will be losing families. If JV sports are cut there will be no one to play Varsity. Investigate going full pay to play or other options. Give families a chance to step up to keep the programs alive. Cuts to Streetsboro performing arts, mainly the choir, is a loss of opportunity. It means no music, no theater. These programs at the High School are on life support. Please find a way to keep these opportunities for students alive. The Head Football coach stepped up to advocate for students. This is a State of Ohio problem and the people in Columbus need to be aware of how property tax cuts will create a fiscal cliff for public schools. This is an Ohio problem. Football means something to parents and kids. They all played in Middle School and JV. These proposed cuts are cuts to Varsity programs. Please reconsider the cuts. Perhaps it is possible to grow revenue through pay to play.
The Board and Superintendent responded that everyone has been heard. No one likes seeing opportunities taken away from the kids. There will be a series of meetings to investigate funding options before final decisions are made. The meetings will be transparent and the community will be kept informed. Also, part of the problem is the trend in Ohio towards defunding public schools. Funding via property tax has been found unconstitutional, yet no solutions have been brought forth. Public schools are dealing with shrinking state money, through expansion of voucher programs and cuts to property tax. There are several bills in the state legislature now that will be catastrophic for public schools. Concerned parents and community members can help by educating themselves on what is being done legislatively. Find out what your representatives stand for, call them, write them, and make your voice heard through your vote. As one board member put it, in the current government climate, “we are seeing the dismantling of public education.”

The Minutes from the 04/09/2026 Regular Meeting were approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: A staff member from Henry Defer gave a presentation on the One Book One School program. It ran from May 11-May 22, 2026. This is the seventh year for this event. The entire school reads the same book and there are activities all week centered around the book. It brings together all the students in the entire school as readers. Each student receives a copy of the book that they can keep.This year's book was “A Boy Called Bat” by Elana K. Arnold. The main character has autism. Guest readers visited the school. The PTA made the book come alive through creative decorations. The author came to the school, gave a presentation, and read from the book. Students were thrilled to meet the person who’s name was on the front cover of the book. There was also community involvement. Businesses had stations where kids could get tickets to be entered into a raffle for prizes.
Union negotiators have come to the table and the talks have been very promising. Both unions have come with an eye of being very supportive of the fiscal plight. The district is in the process of adopting two union contracts that will save the district $2 mil over the next two years.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The district is expected to have a deficit cash balance in 2029. Last month revenue was $1,803,509 and expenses were $2,548,431. The school is projected to have a cash balance deficit in 2029. A report had to go to the state detailing steps to remain fiscally solvent. Cutting most clubs, extracurriculars, and field trips will save $330K. Cutting sports will save $94K and reducing transportation will save $16K.

CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER REPORT: Food service has a lot of things going on in the kitchen right now. There are a lot of fun promotions for the students, including the Sr. Breakfast. Graduation logistics will be coming out soon. The Middle School is having a Special Ed field day. There will be an Eighth Grade promotion. The Sixth and Seventh Graders will have a Field Day. The Second Graders are having a family picnic.
We are partnering with the City, which will be doing some paving for the district.
Asking approval to purchase a new mower. Will get a trade-in allowance for the current mower.
The Chrome Book fleet needs a refresh. This equipment if paid for by the Tech fees.
We are currently working on a Rental Rate Agreement for the Baseball/Softball fields.

BOARD REPORTS: The Education Foundation awarded four $500 scholarships.
The PTA hosted the after prom, created the decor for the One Book One School program, assisted with the Pre-K Prom, and hosted the first Literacy Under the Lights.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS B-Q were approved.

There was no OLD BUSINESS.

There was no NEW BUSINESS:

The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 PM.

Members Present: Tracy Campbell, Tonia Epple, Kristina Mattmuller, Sara Scott

Absent: Kelly Rich

Public Notice: Yes

Agenda: Yes

Minutes: Yes

Observer: Diana L Skok