Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 10/18/2022

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The meeting began promptly at 6:00 PM with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS
Debby Redmond proposed to the board a name change for a road on the RHS campus to honor the Clark family. This family has done a lot to support the students and the district and Mrs. Redmond feels that this would be a fitting honor.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Student Resource Officer Poe introduced the newest K9 Officer Matous, who will serve as a firearms detection/therapy dog for Kent City Schools. Matous is a lab trained to detect any firearms coming into the schools and is already filling his role as a therapy dog among the students. George Joseph stated that this is the district’s alternative to arming teachers. Grants were received and the police department and community organizations are helping to fund this program.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Previous minutes were voted on and approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Interest rates on investments continue to climb from 2.95% in September to 3.01% as of this report. The district is experiencing the effects of inflation as reflected in the doubling of bus fuel costs. Natural gas is seeing a 14% increase from last year. Insurance costs have also increased, partly due to medical procedures that were delayed during the pandemic and are now being performed. Three buses will be purchased to replace some from an aging fleet. This is an annual expenditure. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER FIVE YEAR FORECAST
This forecast is done twice per year using three years of data. With the increase in real estate taxes, the district saw a one-time increase in funding, but it will level out now. With Fair School State Funding, the district saw a modest funding increase. All other revenues saw some decreases in the last couple of years. Voted on and approved.

PERSONNEL
There were some resignations and requests for leaves of absence. There were some new appointments and substitutes presented, which will be approved pending background checks.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF OSBA POLICIES
Policy changes presented in September were voted on and approved.

CONSIDER MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH NOTRE DAME COLLEGE
As with Kent State University and Akron University, Kent Schools will now have a relationship with Notre Dame College, accepting student teachers from this institution.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF HALL OF FAME CLASSES OF 2021 AND 2022
Due to the pandemic, recent inductions were delayed but the ceremonies can now go forward. Summary sheets for current inductee candidates were received by board members. There are two nominees per category.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER ITEMS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
Resolution for Change Orders
There are four items for consideration
1. $19,000 unanticipated expense for Roosevelt gym project.
2. $16,000 electrical and HVAC upgrades and lights.
3. $2,900 waterline backflow lines by the stadium.
4. $18,000 Univac units relocated to the photography class and the computer lab.
Additionally, auditorium chair arm extensions will be installed on 151 chairs. This will enable students to accommodate laptops and test-taking. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER TITLE 1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Title 1 services will be provided for St. Patrick and Kent City School students.

CONSIDER CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR NURSING SERVICES
It had been determined that a Longcoy student needs an additional 30 minutes of nursing services in the morning. Currently, these services are being provided by the Secretary and this is not a sustainable situation. Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER OUT - OF - STATE / OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
The Expedition Academy will be traveling to Pennsylvania for a backpacking trip from October 19-20.
Voted on and approved

MISCELLANEOUS

• $12,004 was received in donations from a very generous community.
• 15 bushels of apples were donated by Beckwith’s for $1,080. This allowed all students and staff to participate in the state-wide Apple Crunch Day.
• $1,500 was donated by Miles Damron for Davey Elementary School.
• There were donations to the Stanton and Roosevelt golf programs in the form of hole sponsors
• Dr. Gates introduced the Neighborhood Bridges Program. He will present details at the November meeting.
• George Joseph touted the Focus News Letter which highlights all the programs that are going on in the district and lets the community see how their tax dollars are being spent.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present: Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Pamela Ferguson, Tiera Moore, and Rebekah Wright Kulis. All present.

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

Name of Observer: Mary Myers