Committee/ Council Observed: Kent City School Board

Date of Meeting: 12/20/2022

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

The December meeting began promptly at 6:00 PM with a roll call and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Assistant, Tom Larkin, introduced the board members and administrators who were present.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS
Clare Livinsky, a Roosevelt senior, addressed the board regarding a concern she has about accessibility to entrances at the high school. She has observed that the door openings are not conducive for students with disabilities or adults who may have mobility challenges. Jim Soyers, business manager, validated her concerns and stated that the situation is being addressed and changes will be made to rectify the situation.

Kathy Scott and Tim Horton representing Stanton Middle School presented gifts to the board in appreciation for all their hard work.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes were voted on and approved.

CONSIDER KENT FREE LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTMENT
An application by John Ryan was presented for a 7-year term on the board of trustees at the library. Mr. Ryan has served for many years in this position. Voted on and approved.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Congratulations were offered to Shawn Bates as the Elementary Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance (OAHPERD) Teacher of the Year for the State of Ohio. He had received this award earlier this month at Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky. Superintendent George Joseph pointed out what a high and well-deserved honor this is for Mr. Bates and the district.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Debby Krutz presented a comprehensive financial report on the district’s appropriations, expenditures, and investments for the end of the year. Revenue from the last half of the tax year was received. The Federal Reserve has continued rate hikes on investments which have benefited the district’s revenue.
Voted on and approved.

APPROVAL OF BILLS
Voted on and approved.

PERSONNEL
No leave of absence requests were received by the board. Some requests for retirement were received. Kate Doty, an Intervention Specialist who has served the district at Longcoy School since 1998, was recognized. Her request for retirement was approved. Some subs were also approved contingent upon their background checks.

CONSIDER MEMBERSHIP IN OSBA FOR 2023
This is a standard annual item. There were some increases in membership fees.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER REVIEW OF NEW OSBA POLICIES
This item will be considered at the January meeting.

CONSIDER AGREEMENT FOR BOARD DOCS
The superintendent has decided on the Light Version of this program. There is a $1,000 start-up fee and an annual cost of $2,700 for this program. This will allow computer access to documents which will be an easier and more efficient way to view documents.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER ITEMS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM RESOLUTION FOR CHANGE ORDERS
There were no changes for the month of December.

DESIGN SERVICES CONTRACT AMENDMENT
$172,000 was returned to the district as unused funds.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER AMENDED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KENT PARKS AND RECREATION
This in reference to the after-school program through the Recreation Department. Approval had to be issued by the Kent Health Department for snacks that are provided to the children.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER RESOLUTION FOR PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TRANSPORTATION
Payment will be issued for a 9th grader attending Hoban High School in lieu of transportation.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER WAGE SCALES SUBJECT TO OHIO MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
As of January 1, 2023 the minimum wage rate in Ohio will increase from $9.30 to $10.10. The district will adjust to comply with this increase. This will hopefully help with the staffing shortages the district is experiencing.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH MEDICAL MUTUAL
Kent City Schools is a self-insured district. Medical Mutual is the third-party administrator which will cover expenses in excess of $125,000.
Voted on and approved.

CONSIDER OUT - STATE / OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
There are 2 trips under consideration, one of which has already occurred. The high school wrestling team participated in a tournament in Tippecanoe, Ohio. They will also be participating in a tournament in Paris, Ohio on February 3rd and 4th. It was noted that wrestling has regained popularity as a high school sport and the addition of the new wrestling room is utilized and appreciated by the team.
Voted on and approved.

SET JANUARY 10, 2023 AS DATE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING / APPOINT PRESIDENT PRO TEM
This meeting must occur by January 15, 2023. The present president will be appointed to preside over the meeting. The possibility of moving future board meetings out to the schools was discussed.
Voted on and approved.

MISCELLANEOUS
Donations totaling $32,679 were received from a very generous community. Superintendent George Joseph thanked the board for their bond issue support noting that the facilities are a great addition to the district. They look great, and the money was utilized and spent the right way. He also congratulated the high school students on a great finals week, acknowledging all that the students are juggling between their studies & extracurricular activities.
Voted on and approved.

ADJOURN

Which members of the board/council were present: Brian Boykin, Colin Boyle, Pam Ferguson, and Rebekah Wright-Kulis. Tiara Moore absent, no reason given

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