Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 1/14/2025

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

This was the 2025 organizational meeting to elect a new board president and set the meeting schedule for the coming year. Tiera Moore was elected president, and Alicia Crowe as vice president. Voted on and approved. ADJOURN

The regular board meeting was called to order with roll call, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and introduction of board members, administrators, and guests by Dr. Justin Gates. Minutes were voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S UPDATE
Dr. Gates introduced Chrissy Motz, a Special Olympian, who addressed the meeting to raise awareness and funds for the program. Linda Ferlito was honored for all her years of involvement and service. A bench dedicated in her honor was presented. Interestingly, it took 1000 pounds of plastic bags to create this bench.

A Portage County Retired Teachers Association representative gave a brief history of the organization. He stated that the once solely social group has branched out to award scholarships to graduating seniors who are committed to pursuing degrees in education. Six teachers were awarded grants to pursue innovative programs in their schools. These programs include musical production, speech and oral language development, coding and robotics, business ideas, and new technologies for students with disabilities.

Dr.Jon Secaur, representing Portage County Master Gardeners, recognized the Holden School’s garden project. Some of the plants will be moved inside so that the students can observe the total life cycle of the plants.

FINANCIALS
Treasurer Debby Krutz presented a detailed report on the district’s finances as of December 2024. The cash summary shows a drawing down of the General Fund until tax advances are received in February. The Permanent Improvement Fund shows a balance of $269,000. 48% of the General Operating fund has been spent. The STAR Ohio shows a 4.7% interest rate and appears to be decreasing slightly. Voted on and approved

APPROVAL OF BILLS. Voted on and approved

PERSONNEL
Some retirement notices were received, and some appointments and substitute applications were also received. No leaves of absence were requested presently and voted on and approved.

CONSIDER TAX BUDGET
This will begin July 1, 2025, using a streamlined schedule. The financial projection will be made in May 2025 and voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AUTHORIZATION FOR SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
Voted on and approved

CONSIDER LEGISLATIVE AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT LIAISONS
Colin Boyle will be the legislative liaison, and Alicia Crowe will be the student achievement liaison. Voted on and approved

CONSIDER PRESCHOOL TUITION
Since 2018 - 2019, the preschool tuition has been on a sliding scale based on income and will remain so. Voted on and approved.

CTE
February has been designated as CTE month, mainly because of the 11 programs at Roosevelt High School.

CONSIDER COLLEGE-LEVEL CLASSES
The district has agreed with Kent State to provide Roosevelt students the opportunity to receive college credit for taking college-level classes at Kent State Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER APPROVAL OF OSBA POLICIES.
Voted on and approved.

FIELD TRIPS
No requests for field trips have been received at this time.

MISCELLANEOUS
Donations totaling $2,957 have been received from a very generous Kent community. Voted on and approved.

A proclamation was presented to retiring board member Brian Boykin, honoring his 31 years of service on the Board. Superintendent Larkin and each board member shared memories of their time with Mr Boykin and thanked him for his service on the board.

ADJOURN.

Which members of the board/council were present? Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Alicia Crowe, 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

https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/kentcs/Board.nsf/Public

Name of Observer: Mary Myers