Date of Meeting: 10/17/2022
Format: In-person
Meeting Summary:
The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance, after which two students were presented with the Lions Club Good Award: 8th grader Sophia Smith and high school senior Kylie McCullough.
There was a presentation about upcoming Veterans Day activities which will include a November 10 Hero Hike to benefit 23rd Veteran, a nonprofit organization supporting the mental health needs of U.S. military veterans. Students bring backpacks filled with nonperishable food and solicit donations. Last year the event raised $10,000 for 23rd Veteran and collected over 2,000 pounds of food for the Center of Hope. Rootstown students are featured on the 23rd Veteran website and promotional materials for the Hero Hike. In addition to the Hero Hike, there will be a Veterans parade and breakfast at Rootstown Schools.
During the community comments portion of the meeting, a parent raised concerns about the behavior of the assistant coach for high school cheerleading. She was encouraged to take her concerns to the athletic director. There was a follow-up to last month’s discussion of sousaphones in disrepair. The band director shared an instrument inventory and a price quote for new sousaphones ($4,757.00). School administration to discuss future budgeting for instrument updates.
During the business portion of the meeting, the Board approved financial reports, a variety of school policies, staff resignations, and supplemental contracts.
Highlights of the principal reports are: Through a partnership with Portage Community Bank, 5th-grade students toured the bank and have an opportunity to save money at the bank; the middle school boys’ cross country team are league champions; the high school financial aid night and graduation requirements night had good turnouts; 172 people attend the College Credit Plus information meeting at the high school.
Under new business, Board Member Jennifer Curall asked about putting a microwave in the high school cafeteria. Treasurer Connie Baldwin said there may be some upcoming updates/repairs to the elementary school playground.
The Board voted to go into an executive session to discuss compensation of school employees via approval of a three-year contract with OAPSE.
The public portion of the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Which members of the board/council were present: Board Members Jennifer Curall, Todd McEwuen, Craig Mullaly, Tom Siciliano, Amanda Waesch; Treasurer Connie Baldwin; Superintendent Andrew Hawkins
Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Could not be found
Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes
https://www.rootstown.sparcc.org/board
Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
Name of Observer: Rhonda Richardson